Wanganui downhill racer Joel Tunbridge is poised for a podium if not the title itself with two rounds to run of the New Zealand Downhill Mountain Bike North Island Championship.
The 20-year-old, soon to turn 21, finished third in round one, won round two and was fourth in round three,placing him among the top four vying for honours.
"I'm not quite sure if I'm sitting second or third on points at the moment, but it's pretty tight with at least three others in the hunt," Tunbridge said yesterday.
"There are two more rounds to go - in Taupo on November 22 and Auckland on December 13 and I'll be trying my best to win."
Downhill racing has been his life for the past four years and he is now competing in the open men's division.
"I live and breathe it and all my money goes into it. Most of us are really good mates, including Brandon Jackson from Wanganui. He's going pretty good too, but missed the first round. It's a pretty exciting, but expensive sport when you include the gear and the travel," Tunbridge said.
He will again base himself in Queenstown for the summer to gain further experience among elite company.
"Queenstown is pretty much the main hub for downhill in the country and all the best riders head there. I spent last year down there and I plan to return this summer," he said.
