The Denmark Mountain Bike Club hosted the first round of the State downhill series on Sunday, March 5 and local riders dominated the podium atop Lapko Road.

Almost 100 riders from across WA made the journey to Denmark for the event now in its third year.

For many riders, this was their first attempt at the downhill race format which involves a point-to-point course with an emphasis on technical skills rather than pedal power.

Denmark and Albany MTB Club made up a quarter of the field, with several of the members placing on the podium.

For the Denmark Club, the Devenport boys dominated, with father, Nathan (masters), and son Flynn (under 13) winning their respective categories.

Alistair Dickson took home the win in the masters’ category and Ruby Beckett won the under-15 women’s.

Local youngster Jy Drummond, who had turned 13 just days before the race, finished an impressive third in his debut in the under-15 category.

Albany MTB Club rider Hamish Wilkes won the hotly-contested under-19 category, narrowly missing out on the overall fastest time of the day.

Following the official race on Sunday, the top 20 lap times across the categories were sent back up the hill to compete for the Monkey Rock top-20 dash for cash. The times were tight, but Gus Kyme took home the cash and the fastest time for the day.

Denmark Mountain Bike Club president Brad Drummond said the event was a good opportunity to showcase Denmark’s mountain bike terrain to riders from across the state.

“Thanks to the property owners and sponsors, the event continues to grow from strength to strength,” he said.

Full race results are available online via www.denmarkmtb.com.au

The Albany Mountain Bike Club will host Round 2 of the State Downhill Series on April 23.

See all the pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in Denmark Bulletin, 23 March 2023.