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THE success of second Blue Dragon Challenge mountain bike event held over two days on bush tracks around Derby and Weldborough bodes well for an even bigger event next year.
The event attracted 286 competitors and organiser Ben Mather, of Wild Wheels Promotions, said he hoped to advertise it more widely nationally next year and probably build the entries to more than 400.
“The team aspect is unique and the terrain the trails go through is really what mountain bike riding is all about,” he said.
“The ride is almost totally through state forest so we appreciate the support of Forestry Tasmania in making the trails available.”
The riders were joined by a similar number of family and supporters for camping at Branxholm and Weldborough, with local businesses saying they contributed to a huge return for the two days.
Competition was held over several age and gender categories with Hobart pair John Darcey and Nic Morgan winning the overall title in an aggregate time of five hours 16 minutes for the 100 kilometre total.
Both Darcey, who is the current national veterans marathon champion, and Morgan are regular competitors at mountain bike events and tried the Blue Dragon last year with different team mates.
“It’s good to a get a good balance in the team …. I went pretty hard on the first day, but Nick was the one to help keep me honest over the second leg,” Darcey said.
“These are great trails and it’s really well organised, so I’ll be back,” Darcey vowed.
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| Overall winners John Darcey and Nick Morgan model their prize limited edition sunnies at the presentation. |
