Karapoti Classic
Records Tumble at Karapoti Classic
Michael Jaques / 05.03.2007
As the Southern Hemisphere’s longest-running mountain bike event, Upper Hutt’s Scott Karapoti Classic has always been recognised as New Zealand’s premier event. Since 1986, the savage 50k test through the Akatarawa Ranges has been the benchmark for aspiring mountain bikers. But this year New Zealand’s favourite mountain bike race outdid even itself. Commonwealth Games reps Clinton Avery and Jennifer Smith lined up as favourites for the 22nd race facing strong fields, no one expected them to dominate quite like they did.
Avery simply rode a collection of New Zealand, American and Australian racers in to the ground. The strapping 190cm, 90kg rider rode from the front all the way, powering away on the flat and technical riding and maintaining his lead as the smaller riders tried to attack him on the uphill. But the Rotorua rider’s relentless pace tore the chasers apart until eventually his only competition was the clock.
Avery crossed the line a massive 10 minutes ahead of Australian Nic Both, but had no idea that he’d achieved anything other than his first Karapoti title. A year ago he and Australian Peter Hatton had battled for the entire distance only for Avery to lose out when he crashed in one of Karapoti’s famous river crossings when within site of the finish line. Hatton went on to claim the win by 14secs in 2hrs 18min 01secs, a time that eclipsed the previous race record held by world ranked rider Kashi Leuchs. But this year Avery set a whole new standard.See All Event Posts
