Mount Hutt College mountainbikers Issy Marr and Harvey Copland took national podium placings at the recent New Zealand Secondary School Championships in Nelson.
The pair were part of a 20-strong rider team competing at the event across four categories: downhill, cross-country, cross-country relay and enduro.
Mountainbike co-ordinator and school principal Jack Saxon said in a statement that the team had a hugely successful championships during the second week of the school holidays.
‘‘Overall the school finished 9th in New Zealand out of 106 secondary schools that competed. The year 7-8 team ended the event 4th overall in the country out of 50 schools,’’ he said.
It followed from a third overall at the South Island Championships earlier in the year.
‘‘In total, nine different riders earned podium positions with the school gaining a total 10 podiums and 24 top 10 finishes across the event.’’
Saxon said the weekly school programme continued to grow with increasing numbers taking part in its Wednesday Active sessions.
It appears to be set-up for long term success at national level, he said.
‘‘The growing success of the programme was the result of the partnership with local club Bike Methven, key sponsors like Jackson Holmes Contracting and an incredibly supportive and hands on group of parents.’’
The team, including several new riders, will be in action again at the Aoraki Secondary School MTB Championships at Mount Hutt Bike Park on Saturday, October 18
National podium placings went to: Sam Honeywell -1st place under 13 boys overall, 3rd place under 13 boys enduro. Honor Coleman – 3rd place under 13 girls enduro. Issy Marr – 3rd place under 20 girls downhill.
Baxter Florance – 2nd place under 16 boys downhill, 3rd place under 16 boys overall. Eddie Green – 2nd place under 15 boys. Downhill: Flynn Harden – 2nd place under 17 boys overall. Teddy Marr – 2nd place under 13 boys enduro, 3rd place year 7-8 XC relay. Angus Robertson – 3rd place year 7-8 XC relay. Harvey Copland – 3rd place year 7-8 XC relay.
