Half a second separated Nelson’s Caelab Drummond from Victory over Gravity Canterbury’s Max Hides in the men’s sport category while Nelson rider, Spencer Cathman, rounded out the top four. In the men’s elite competition, a seventh placing by Brady Stone – ranked second junior enduro rider in the world pre-Covid – was all the more impressive when put in context with the rest of the quality field, which included winner Sam Blenkinsop and a number of international-level riders. Under 15 rider Lucas Malham came sixth in at time of 3:59.990 in his event.
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The Aorere Enduro event is coming to Nelson for Easter 2021.
More than 90 competitors in 12 categories took part in the event, with Nelson riders relishing home trail advantage with several podium performances. Practice, qualifying and racing all took place on the one day – testing competitors’ mental fortitude as well as their skills on the bike. Despite a year-long hiatus from downhill competition, Canterbury’s Sam Blenkinsop showed no sign of rust in the spokes, taking out the men’s elite category, while Nelson’s Louise Kelly and Jess Harvey claimed second in the women’s elite and masters 30-39 categories, respectively. Rotorua’s Robin Goomes proved unstoppable in putting 13 seconds between her and Kelly, as was Agata Bulska of Canterbury with her 40-second margin over Harvey.