Wairoa turns it on for Challenge

Tylah Taumata-Paul, of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa, won the Year 11 Advanced division. Pictures by Paul Rickard

WAIROA turned on the weather and the community support for the Tairawhiti Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Challenge at Papa Paihikara Maunga, the Wairoa mountain bike park, on Thursday.

The event was a cross-country event, which meant a mix of uphill and downhill riding to test the abilities and stamina of the cyclists. No injuries were recorded.

Organisers recognised the contributions and support from Adventure Wairoa, Quality Roading and Services, Wairoa District Council and AvantiPlus Maintrax.

Results —

Intermediate have-a-go division, male: Ben Jones (Campion College) 17.06, 1; Hamuera Waiwai-Tipuna (Wairoa College) 17.37, 2; Jack Utting (Campion) 17.52, 3.

Female: Amyethist Tuapawa (Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa) 20.20, 1; Kazhmia Shelford (TKKM o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa) 21.18, 2; Sapphire Smith (TKKM o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa) 24.27, 3.

Secondary have-a-go: Joel Walker (Gisborne Boys’ High School) 16.43, 1; Flynn Cave (GBHS) 16.50, 2; Brandon Carr (Wairoa College) 18.30, 3.

Secondary — Year 9 Advanced: Jack Willock (GBHS) 23.41, 1; Patrick Brownlie (GBHS) 26.43, 2; Dane Berry (Campion) 27.52, 3.

Secondary — Year 10 Advanced: Tom van Kregten (Campion) 22.56, 1; Paul LeGoff (GBHS) 23.09, 2; Cjay Ingram (GBHS) 24.39, 3.

Secondary — Year 11 Advanced: Tylah Taumata-Paul (TKKM o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa) 31.54, 1; Tane Manuel (TKKM o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa) 33.28, 2; Ben Hutchings (GBHS) 41.20, 3.