It’s in the genes of Motu Special champ

ECT representative Jill Chrisp presents Margeaux Pittar with the trophy as women’s 50km race winner. Picture supplied

MOUNTAINBIKING

THERE was double glory for the Gordon family in the Motu Special mountainbike event last weekend.

Professional road cyclist Callum Gordon successfully defended the 50-kilometre PGG Wrightson Weka Special race.

And his mother Steferl led home the women in the 25km Ballance Fantail Special.

Recently returned from competing with Team California in the United States, Gordon was in a class of his own as he completed his third victory in the 50km race.

He crossed the finish line in two hours, six minutes and 24 seconds — nine seconds faster than last year.

Gordon was over 19 minutes ahead of Whakatane rider Joel Wilson — a repeat of last year’s one-two finish.

“As always, I loved the event,” Gordon said.

“It’s a great day. I was super-happy with the weather. It’s really good to see everyone out enjoying it.”

The women’s 50km title went to Margeaux Pittar in 2h 46m 27s, with Rose Candy second in 2:49:06.

“It’s a really cool race,” Pittar said.

“I rode in the first Motu Special but this was the first time in the 50km. It was a lot harder than I expected.”

The course for the 50km and 25km races featured a steep climb to almost 800 metres altitude, before it plummeted to the historic Marumoko road, past Whinray Scenic Reserve and back to Motu.

Steferl Gordon completed the 25km race in 1:39:02, with Kim Pittar second woman home in 1:43:51.

Jim Robinson won the men’s title in 1:19:11, just 18s ahead of Dougal Watts.

The Gordon family almost made it a triple podium finish, with Steferl’s husband John fourth in 1:27:14, eight seconds behind third-placed Cjay Ingram.

Daniel Watts and Samantha Jennings were the winners of the 12km Pak’nSave Blue Duck Special.

In the children’s races, James Coop sped to victory in the 5km Weet-Bix Tomtit Special and Blake Redpath won the 5km Motu Community House Kiwi Special.

Neville Parkinson pipped Chris Coppin by one second in Electric Village Ebike Experience. Sue Bull was first woman to the finish.

The Motu Special again focused on all levels of participation, ranging from children’s races to the new Ebike Experience.

The day was a fundraiser for Motu Community House.

Motu Special co-organiser Kathy Sheldrake thanked local property owners who gave access to their land.

“Thank you to the Motu community who came out to help run the event.

“A huge thank-you to Eastland Community Trust and all the other sponsors.

“We are extremely grateful for your support of the Motu Special.”