Hamish Wilkes dominates at Albany Mountain Bike Club’s downhill race

Albany Mountain Bike Club held a downhill race on Mt Clarence last Sunday with plenty of junior riders impressing.

A total of 22 riders, including 15 juniors, enjoyed the ideal conditions to display their skill and courage and tackle one of the trickiest tracks in Albany.

Young gun Hamish Wilkes produced the fastest run of the day in the men’s elite division, finishing in a blistering time of 1min, 22secs.

Wilkes’ time eclipsed his mentor and local legend Bobby Cooper’s previous best.

Nik Scott was second and Denmark Mountain Bike Club president Nathan Devenport was hot on his heels in third.

A couple of Eastern States youngsters, Ronan Burke and Lawson Shields, provided stiff competition to the local talent on foreign terrain.

In the men’s under-17 division Fergus Sandilands proved too strong to defeat Jackson Poett and Charlie Thill.

Meanwhile, first time downhiller Chelsea Sobik took out the women’s under-17 category.

In the men’s under-15 division Ben Thomas claimed victory ahead of Ashton Sobik and Elih Wither.

Lorcan Contier prevailed in the men’s under-13 race defeating Joel Weller and Denmark’s Flynn Devenport.

The rock gardens took their toll on Jess Waldron and Dwayne Sobey’s tyres, forcing their withdrawal due to mechanical failures.

AMBC president Dora Adeline said it was a successful event.

“It was a fantastic day in wonderful conditions with a great bunch of young talent honing their skills, set amongst the treasured Clarence/Corndarup setting,” she said.

The club also received a $15,000 cheque from Lotterywest that will go towards the Southern Peaks mountain bike festival at the September long weekend, presented by Albany MP Rebecca Stephens.

Adeline said the club was excited to host another Southern Peaks festival.

“We are pumped to be bringing such a unique event to Albany and showcasing Australia’s only urban downhill event that will attract visitors from all over the State,” she said.