New Zealand champion Anton Cooper wrapped up the Oceania Continental Mountain Bike Series with a double win in the final rounds in Cairns at the weekend.
The Lapierre PXR Racing rider dominated both cross-country races, lapping his nearest riders at the Smithfield MTB Park in the north Queensland destination.
The wins had double significance for Cooper, who earns a guarantee start in the short-track races for the upcoming UCI MTB cross-country season in Europe and North America.
A key to a strong World Cup season is the rider’s starting position, which is determined from the short track races held two days before the main race throughout the world cup season. A place in the short track race comes from overall ranking, and as Cooper had a season away from the World Cup competition, that ranking had dropped.
“Getting these points guarantees me a short-track start at the World Cup, which is a big goal. You need the short track start to get the chance to start in the first three row of cross country,” said Cooper.
“This event has so much going for it, it is a great venue, there are great places to stay in town, it’s close to the airport, the track is great. It has all the foundations to be a big event and hopefully it continues to grow.”
New Zealand riders also continued their domination in the age classes in the Oceania MTB series.
Christchurch rider Millie Junge also enjoyed wins on both days to wrap up the junior women’s honours, with Tauranga’s Dulcie Copeland third in both races.
Alexandra’s Eddie Adams was third in the under-23 men, while Tommy Mollison (Auckland) won the junior men with the under-17 Oceania champion, Levi Gear (Orewa) third.
📸: Phil Warring
