Action from the awards ceremony of the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro series -race 2, in Rotorua.
The second Giant 2W Gravity Enduro for the summer of 2016 had more than 450 riders racing along the vast trail network of Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Forest.
Conditions on Saturday were difficult for riders, described by race organiser Neil Gellatly as "very challenging", slippery under the tyres, intermittent rain throughout the race, but a cool breeze keeping the temperatures mild.
More than $25,500 was given away at the event - with $300 on the line for the overall male and female winners and a special scholarship worth $25,000 to help an up and coming local rider.
In the premier six stage male category New Zealand professional rider Joseph Nation held off Rotorua's Keegan Wright to take the overall title on the day in 29m 06s over the timed sections.
Top five finishers in premier six stage male category; 1st Joseph Nation 2nd Keegan Wright 3rd Wynn Masters 4th Samuel Shaw and 5th Carl Jones. PHOTO/ JASON BEACHAM - 208 dsfjh324.JPG
His margin over Wright was narrow - just 14 seconds, with fellow New Zealand professional rider Wynn Masters in third in a time of 29m 24s. Locals Samuel Shaw and Carl Jones finished in fourth and fifth respectively.
Gellatly described the men's race as a "thriller" and was delighted to see three Rotorua riders finish in the top five.
"It was great to have some of the top riders down here- they really lifted the standard of racing and brought the best out of the rest of the field," he said. "The closeness in the end times shows the quality of the field and how wonderful is it for Rotorua to have three talented riders right up there."
Rotorua's Keegan Wright, in action during the second race of the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro series in the Whakarewarewa Forest. PHOTO/ JASON BEACHAM-208 Media
Wright, 20, may have been disappointed with his second placing overall after winning the first Giant 2W Gravity Enduro in October - however a surprise scholarship cheque for $25,000 [donated by an anonymous local group in the cycling community] more than made up for it and a first placing in his age category.
Rotorua's Keegan Wright, 20, (left) is awarded a scholarship cheque of $25,000 by race organiser Neil Gellatly (right) - donated by an anonymous local group. PHOTO/ JASON BEACHAM-208 Media
The talented rider, who was visibly shocked when presented with his hefty prize, said it was a "life-changing moment".
"I can't believe it," he said. "It's a complete surprise. This will help me so much. Thank you super heaps to the crew, whoever they are, that put the money up. This will open up doors for me with my overseas racing and helps loads with my competitive travel options."
Gellatly added: "This is a huge amount. This may even be the largest single amount given out in New Zealand cycling history. It will truly help bring young talent through in the area and take them to that next step in their career."
For the women Rotorua's Annika Smail dominated her field - winning the premier six stage female category in a time of 35m 33s and clocking the fastest stage time whilst winning her age group title for 30-39.
Local Annika Smail dominated her field - winning the premier six stage female category. PHOTO/ JASON BEACHAM - 208 Media
Downhill champion Vanessa Quin from Tauranga showed she still has what it takes by gaining a second place in the premier field in a time of 36m 49s whilst Rotorua's Cati Pearson placed third after finishing in 37m 51s.
In total 112 Rotorua riders competed in the "record breaking" Giant 2W Gravity Enduro event - with the most number of entries ever for the event.
The next round is in February - in what is expected to be another sell-out event.
Giant 2W Gravity Enduro series- second race results:
Men's six stage overall: 1. Joseph Nation (Christchurch) 0:29:06; 2. Keegan Wright 0:29:20 (Rotorua); 3. Wynn Masters (New Plymouth) 0:29:24; 4. Samuel Shaw (Rotorua) 0:29:30; 5. 0:29:38.
