Queensland XCO State Championships 2022
Despite or because of the mudfest, the 2022 Queensland XCO State Championships @ Castle Hill, Ipswich was a resounding success.
The 2022 edition of the Queensland XCO Mountain Bike State Championships will be forever remembered as an absolute epic. A superb course, intense and unrelenting rain combined to test riders skills and push them and their bikes to their absolute limits.
The course at Castle Hill (located in Ipswich) is difficult at the best of times, due to its sharp rocks, steep climbs and tight single track. However, the rain added an extra element not often seen in Ipswich in October. The temperature was also cold, with riders comparing the race to something they would more likely face in Europe rather than Queensland!
Numbers at the event were also very good with close to 120 riders competing over the day across the various categories. After a couple of seasons ruined due to COVID and severe weather, it was great to see riders returning to the XCO start line at State Championships. With great depth in the junior fields, Queensland looks set to be a force to be reckoned with going forward.
A big shout goes out to all the volunteers who made the event possible and also to the captain of the ship John Russell (JR’s Gym and Bike). There is a lot of work and organisation behind the scenes to make an event like this happen and it often goes unrewarded.
B.RAD SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY made an unplanned visit to Castle Hill just in time to catch the final event of the day, capturing some superb images from the mudfest, you can view the full gallery here.
Results – Queensland XCO (Cross Country) State Championships – Sunday, October 02nd 2022
Sunday’s XCO (Cross Country) mountain bike race at Castle Hill, Ipswich
Elite men have a new Queensland Champion in Brayden Martin.
1. Brayden Martin
2. Matthew Ennever
3. Daniel Schilk
In the elite Womens event, Nina Wright looked strong throughout, taking the win from Elise McDonald.
1. Nina Wright
2. Elise McDonald
Complete results for all categories can be viewed by clicking here.