A team of 12 students entered the 2023 SKODA South Island Secondary Schools Mountain Biking Championships held at Coronet Peak in Queenstown 30 March – 2nd April. 

Racing was due to start Thursday 30th March but cold snow hit Queenstown earlier in the week and the schedule was adapted so tracks could be cleared from snow, meaning practice day began Thursday 30th. Seeding races were Friday 31st and official races took place on Saturday 1st April for Downhill and then Enduro races on Sunday 2nd April. 

Only three of the 12 students had taken part in a racing event before so it was a big learning curve for many of them…in addition to very wet and muddy conditions for part of the tracks. Throughout the few days there were spills and falls, but each of the boys were straight back on their bikes to complete their races. From seeding times to final race times for Downhill all the boys had improvement on their times and placings so went from strength to strength. 

Lots of great sportsmanship displayed throughout the few days with encouragement of fellow riders and growth in confidence by each and every one. Will be great to see the continued interest and participation in future events by these and other students.