Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

Jongewaard's road back begins WITH Championships

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Parent Category: Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

Category: News Cycling Pro Road & Mtb 2011

Published on Friday, 18 February 2011 13:09

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Just four days remain until the 2011 Specialized Australian Mountain Bike Championships in Adelaide and four-time national champion and current national series leader, Chris Jongewaard (SA) is out to prove he has what it takes to take out his fifth national title and represent Australia for the first time at the 2012 London Olympics.

It’s been a long road for the Olympic hopeful whose career was put on hold after a tumultuous couple of years.

In December, Jongewaard, 32 returned to the elite scene in promising form taking out round two of the Jayco Australian MTB Series in Hobart followed by a convincing victory at Mt Buller earlier this month.

His success in the national series has marked a giant step forward in the Adelaide rider’s bid to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"The nationals are a really important time for me, particularly with the lead up to the Olympics next year. It’s a good indication that I have made a successful return to XCO", he said.

"I’m feeling positive and training hard to do well in key races to keep selection close to being achievable. My preparation for the international circuit is on target."

"After sitting out last season, I am really motivated to get the green and gold stripes back again and to feel like I’m one of the leading riders in the bid for 2012."

Often referred to as Australia’s biggest contender, there is a lot at stake for Jongewaard with each performance between now and London sure to leave a lasting impression on the minds of national selectors.

Jongewaard is believed to be the only Australian athlete previously selected twice for the Olympics without getting to the Games. After being selected for Athens, he was replaced by another rider who appealed on performance grounds then he lost his place as a mountain biker on the Beijing Olympic team.

It’s anyone’s race with a stellar line up of talent competing in the cross country races which take place on Friday 25 February followed by the short course on Saturday 26 February.

Jongewaard’s main challenger, Athens Olympian and three-time Australian champion, Sid Taberlay (TAS) is expected to apply the pressure in what will be a tightly fought contest.

Beijing Olympian and national champion, Dan McConnell (VIC) has been forced to withdraw from the competition due a broken wrist that he sustained whilst racing last Sunday, consequently robbing him of the chance to defend his title.

"Taberlay is a dark horse, he can turn it on unexpectedly and is one to watch".

"I know what he is capable of because I have raced on the same team as him and competed against him".

Also amongst the mix is reigning national series champion Lachlan Norris (VIC) who has impressively stepped up to the elite ranks and Ben Henderson (ACT) remains a strong contender.

In the women’s category, Tasmania’s golden girl and defending national champion, Rowena Fry is chasing her third consecutive national crown and will start as the strong favourite.

However, Fry won’t be given a free reign and is expected to face fierce competition from fellow rider Jenni King who crossed the line just seconds behind her at Mt Buller and Victorian Katherine O’Shea who won the national series in 2009.

Canberra’s Gracie Elvin is another main contender after her third place finish in round four of the national series at Mt Buller as well as Heather Logie.

In the U/23 category, Canberra rider Rebecca Henderson remains unbeaten and Victorian Paul Van Der Ploeg is expected to start strong after a convincing victory at the Mt Buller meet.

The 2011 Specialized Australian Mountain Bike Championships will be held from Tuesday 22nd to Saturday 26th of February at Eagle Mountain Bike Park.

Specialized Australian MTB Championships – Event Schedule

Tuesday 22 – Wednesday 23 February 2011

Practice sessions

Team relay (Wednesday from 1.00pm)

Thursday 24 February 2011

9:30am Cross Country – veteran women

10:00am Cross Country – sport, masters, super masters, U17, U15 women,

12.00pm Cross Country – U17 men

12:30pm Cross Country – U15, masters, super masters and grand super

masters men

2:30pm Cross Country – sport men A

3:00pm Cross Country – sport men B

4:30pm 4X seeding

6:00pm 4X finals

Friday 25 February 2011

9:30am Cross Country – elite women

10.00am Cross Country – U23 and U19 women

10.00am Bike Trials final - open

12:30pm Cross Country – elite men

1:00pm Cross Country – U23 men

4.00pm Cross Country – U19 men

4:30pm Cross Country – veteran, expert men

4.30pm Downhill – Group A seeding

Saturday 26 February 2011

10:00am Short Course Cross Country – Sport men

10:30am Short Course Cross Country – U19

11:00am Short Course Cross Country – open women

Downhill – U17, U15, expert, masters, veterans, sport men, Veterans, masters, sport and super masters women

11:30am Short Course Cross Country – elite men

12:00am Dirt Jumps final

4.00pm Downhill – Elite Men, Elite Women, U19 Men, U19 Women