Anaconda MTB Enduro

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Stage 2 – Riders conquer Anzac Hill

Naantali Marshall - Rapid Ascent / 23.05.2008

Stage 2 involved a high intensity, anaerobic climb up Anzac Hill located right in the heart of Alice Springs. Riders set off at 30 second intervals, at designated times determined by the results of that morning’s Stage 1 results of the Anaconda MTB Enduro. Starting with the slowest and ending with the big boys the cyclists hammered up the incline in what was described as a “balls to the wall hill climb� finishing at a gorgeous scenic look out at the peak.

The fastest riders looked like dancers on pedals as they raced to the clouds. The challenge was to conquer the 300m vertical climb in a sub 60 second sprint, yet with 40 riders left on the start line, and 157 already descending the hill, the minute barrier was still intact.

Ben Mather of Launceston, Tasmania seeded 7th overall for this week’s event, demolished this elusive minute test! He clocked the quickest time of the afternoon in a staggering 44. 61 seconds. Jenni King from Box Hill, Victoria was fastest female up the hill in an impressive 1 minute 09.35 seconds.

Sub 60 seconds or otherwise, one thing all 197 starters shared this afternoon was a gut full of lactic acid (or should we say a quad- full!). But more importantly the riders had a chance to cheer each other on and enjoy the spectacular sunset showering over the McDonnell Ranges as Stage 2 ended.
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