The Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro
Blair and Douglas back in the black for Stage 6.
Media Release - Rapid Ascent - Chris Ord / 22.05.2011
Intense. That’s the word that rode back in from a pitch-black, relentlessly tight singletrack course tonight, a tight four-way sprint finish and a smattering of on course carnage defining the penultimate night stage in the Ingkerreke Commercial Mountain Bike Enduro.Andy Blair extended his overall lead after taking a slingshot ride on the final corner courtesy of rival team rider, Merida’s Ryan Standish. He crossed less than a bike length in front of stage favourite, Jason English. Aiden Lefmann snuck into third with Standish falling to fourth in the final metres, despite his bull run.
Knowing that English would threaten in the dark, teammates Blair and Lefmann worked in tandem for most of the race to hold him off, much to English’s chagrin.
“That’s racing I guess,� said English. “But you’re supposed to let faster riders through,� he said, tongue only half in cheek.
It was Blair who led most of the singletrack, keeping a solid tempo knowing that there weren’t many passing slots.
“Jase (English) did manage to get through with a few kays of singletrack to go,� said Blair.�He lit it up a bit there and tried to unload a few passengers but we stuck with him onto the fire roads.�
It was here in the open that a possible team tactical error unfolded.
“Ryan (Standish) went to the front with about 400 metres to go, trying to lead out English, but I got on his wheel and it was the perfect lead out. I wanted to be second wheel out of the corner, so I was in the perfect position.�
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