Chris Jongewaard Blogs on the 2011 National MTB Championships

Photo courtesy of

2011Australian Mountain bike Championships

A rewarding result after a tough weekend of racing on the dirt.

Leading into the 2011 National MTB Championships I was feeling more nervous than usual. Reclaiming the green & gold jersey was something that was going to mean a lot to me, especially at this point in my career.  After missing out on the 2010 National Championships it allowed me plenty of time to think about this race and what I wanted to achieve.

Having recently won the National MTB series Rounds #2 & #3, I was just beginning to feel the form coming until I experienced a little mishap whist out training locally with some mates. I was knocked out and suffered a few nasty bumps and bruises, but was fortunate enough to recover quickly a few days later once the concussion had worn off. Although the head still hurt I began my preparation for the Otway Odyssey, a race which is 100km and one of my favorite Australian events. I managed to still take the win but the day was certainly a tough one to get through with a couple of riders (Lachlan Norris & Ben Mather) riding strong on the day. After a good massage the legs were back in action and looking forward to the National MTB Championships. 

My first event in the 2011 National MTB Championships was on the Wednesday which saw me join forces with 'Team Adelaide MTB Club' in an attempt to try and knock the 'CORC's' 3 year winning streak in the team relay. After a few problems from myself & young Shorty we fell short but settled for 2nd for the 2nd year in a row. This did however, give me a good opportunity to test out my form and get a better feel for the track.

Friday, and race day had arrived . The nerves were very present but the training had been done and the pancakes had been consumed, I was pumped and my Merida 0.9 gave me all the more confidence stepping up to the line primed ready for Adelaide’s conditions. It was time to race! I also had my good friend from Tasmania over to stay, but as he is also my closest competitor it made for an interested preparation with added nerves.  

The race start for me was very ordinary and being unable to get my foot straight into the pedal I found myself chasing the front riders from the get go. After rubbing shoulders and encountering some rough & tumble towards the top of the start climb things got a bit close between myself and Ben Henderson. As a result I received a 30 second penalty and although racing is racing at this level my sincere apology goes out to Ben.

By the top of the climb I was second wheel and ready to keep the power on with only one rider left Dan McConnell. I was on a mission and I wanted to break free from the pack. Passing Dan I was on my own and my new “Continental Race Kings” were like glue to the track, opening up a 40second Gap in the first lap and increasing my lead with each lap until I had some problems. Flatting the rear wheel on a rock at around the half way point of the coarse, I tried pumping it up with a Co2 (Air Cartridge) but the split or hole in the tyre was too large for my sealant to mend it. By the time I reached the most technical stage of the track the tire was completely flat forcing me to ride the rim for the last 1km of the climb and then jumping off to run the remainder of the track and back into the finishing straight. After being off the bike and replacing the wheel I was now 20seconds behind Sid Taberlay and a further 30 seconds behind Lachlan Norris, meaning I had to find some seriously smooth and consistent laps from here on in. I had a blinder 4th lap and passed an also unlucky Sid Taberlay flatting his rear wheel, and dug even deeper to close the remainder of the gap to Lachlan Norris who was riding strong. Suddenly I was back in the race with a good chance to take the win. After refocusing and taking back the lead I battled hard to gain some time on Lachlan and was overwhelmed when claiming the victory, finishing 40 seconds ahead of Lachlan Norris and 5min ahead of Aiden Leftman who also rode a strong & consistent race.

I can not begin to tell you how much this win means to me. It was not only a bike race I wanted & needed to win for myself, but also as token of thanks & appreciation to my family along with all the other people & sponsors who have stood by me throughout the past few years. This is also a win dedicated to acknowledging that people can and do make mistakes in the course of their life, but that they also have the ability to find a better path if they choose. 

I would like to specifically thank these people & sponsors who took some time out of their day to lend a hand and keep me going through challenging times. I acknowledge that without their help, support & guidance this journey would not have been possible or as rewarding.

Mother & Father

Adrian Laidler                                                 Russell Van Hout

Amber Halliday                                               Sander Gijs

Andrew Kuhl                                                  Sam Whittam

Aunty Deb & Uncle Rob                                 Ria Wyns                                                                         

Ben Bradley                                      

 Sheryle Buckland                                            Bart Brentjens                                                
 Sid Taberlay   

Brian O’Grady                                                 Travis Frisby

Brett Anderson                                                 Travis Rich

Bridget Beal                                                     Terri Rhodes

Cal Britton                                                       Tiff Cromwell                                                 

Chad Gossert                                                   Tim Roe

Chris Stack                                                      Willemyntje                                                               
Craig Felix                                                       WillDicko                                                                                                                                                        ChrisMartin                                                           
Yvo Van Herck                                               ChristosGorge                                                                                                                                           
Claudia Kranen                                                                                                                                   
Daniel Tsiavlis                                                                                                                 

Darren O’Grady

David Stapelton

David Stroop                                                                                                              

Drew Johnson

Fletcha Pearce-Cane

Garron Buckland

Hayley Anderson

Jack Bobridge

Jack Rhodes

Jacqui Ewens

James Hannam           

James Hanus

Jen Sorensen & Wendy Janssens + Emily & Nicholas

Jess Buckland

Jesse Carlson

John & Berneadette Dermondy 

John Piper

Katherine O’Shea

Kristen Lewis

Kristy Bestt

Kelly Libregts

Michael Stallard

Max Stevens

Mick Surace

Pat Jonker

Petra Brentjens

Perron Delacour

Ray Lacis

Sponsors

Merida Flight Centre Team

South Australian Sport Institute

Shimano

GU Nutrition

Fox Forks

Appologies if I’ve forgotten anyone that helped me along the way.

Looking forward to up coming racing. 

-Oceania Championships

-Terra Australis

-Mont 24hr

-World Cup 2011

Thanks,