Mountain biking: Speed and consistency key at Rotorua downhill champs

Rotorua's Connor Hamilton in action during the second round of the New Zealand national Downhill Series in Auckland. Photo / Cameron Mackenzie

New Zealand's top downhill mountain bikers are set to do battle in Rotorua.When it comes to the mountain biking family, downhill is that sibling who cannot stay still.

It is for the fast-paced, thrill-seeking daredevil riders who each have one run to get from top to bottom as fast as possible - with plenty of thrills and spills.

Tomorrow,Descend Rotorua is hosting the third round of the New Zealand National Downhill Series - the first two rounds were held in Auckland. Practice runs start at 9am before seeding and then racing from 3pm.

Descend Rotorua president Dave Hamilton said about 100 riders would take on the 2.3km course, which had an elevation of 320m.

"It will be fantastic for spectators, the wet conditions mean there will be plenty of action as the guys try and go quick in the mud," Hamilton said.

"It's about being consistent and holding your speed - and obviously not falling off."

He said organisers had been "working frantically" to get the course ready.

"With that storm we had, it brought a lot of trees down, but we've got the course clear and in good shape now. You want to leave a good impression on the guest riders. The reputation of Rotorua is that it's one of the best places to ride in the world, we just showcase it," he said.

While there will be international riders competing, including former world champion Jared Graves, of Australia, and American Curtis Keene, the hottest battles are likely to be between the locals.

Rotorua rider Keegan Wright won round one, ahead of Hamilton's Cole Lucas who races for Descend Rotorua. Wright did not race in round two and Lucas took his place at the top of the podium. Rotorua's Louis Hamilton and Connor Hamilton have each achieved a top-five placing in the first two rounds. Tomorrow,they will all battle it out on the trails they know best.

Rotorua's Keegan Wright is one of many local riders who will be vying for top honours during the third round of the National Downhill Series in Rotorua. Photo / File

Wright, who won the series last year as well as the National Downhill Championship, said he was looking forward to racing on his home track and "having some fun".

He was a taking a more relaxed approach to the downhill events as he had another Enduro World Series on the horizon to prepare for.

"It should be a bit of fun. After all the rain it should be interesting out there, but I'm just looking forward to doing a few runs with some mates. I'm not going to put my life on the line to win it, I'm just going to have some fun and whatever happens, happens.

"It should be some good racing, I'm pretty comfortable on the Rotorua track, but you never know, anything can happen. It's probably one of my favourite tracks, it's got a bit of everything in it - it's got a bit of fast, loose stuff and a bit of tight stuff, it's a good mixture," Wright said.