Wright riding for second Gravity Enduro success

Rotorua's Keegan Wright is aiming for a second success in this year's Giant 2W Gravity Enduro series. PHOTO/ JASON BEACHAM - 208 Media

Some of Rotorua's best mountain bikers will be aiming for success in the second race of the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro series tomorrow. About 500 riders are taking part and will tackle six stages and up to grade five technical trails in the premier event in the Whakarewarewa Forest.

There are 112 Rotorua riders competing - with local riders Keegan Wright, Carl Jones, Daniel Self and Annika Smail all gunning for the top category titles.

Wright, 20, who won the opening Gravity Enduro race in October and the overall series title last year, said he was feeling confident although admitted he was wary of a competitive field which included New Zealand professionals Justin Love, Wynn Masters and Joseph Nation as well as Australian Paul Van Der Ploeg.

"It's going to be a very tough race but the competitive field will just make me push even harder," he said. "I want to keep things rolling along after my first win and I do have the edge of regularly racing and training in the area.

"There are some big names floating around in the field and I think Wynn may be one for me to keep an eye on.

"The tracks are set to be more difficult than the first race but the majority of downhill tracks will play to my advantage.

"I will need to keep comfortable on the day and sprint as hard as I can. If I get my head down and work hard then that first place could be mine."

Giant 2W Gravity Enduro race organiser Neil Gellatly said it would be a close contest in the men's field.

"There is a real mix of local talent and professional riders. Wright of course is at the top of the list but there are a few wildcard entries and dark horses. It's going to be a very exciting contest."

Meanwhile, Smail is an obvious contender in the women's race after winning the overall series crown last year.

Gellatly said Enduro racing was popular in this area and this year's event had attracted a record breaking number of entries.

"I think each event that we put on is different which helps attract riders," he said. "We mix up the stages and make new combinations that keep them on their toes.

"We've completely sold out for entries. Biking just seems to be getting bigger and bigger in the area and we're just so lucky we have world class trails to bring out an amazing competition."

Stages vary from one to six kilometres with about 17km in total.

The Giant 2W Gravity Enduro second race will start at 10-10.30am at Waipa Mtb carpark.