Two time Australian marathon mountain bike champion Brendan Johnston says living in a regional area need not be a disadvantage for emerging young riders.
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Johnston, who grew up in Moruya, had some advice for a group of local young riders, who have been testing the water on the National XC circuit over the past couple of years.
The electrician says “when I first started riding there always seemed like there was limited prospects for athletes living in the smaller rural and regional areas”.
However, he urged young riders not to be blinded by bright lights when there were opportunities available close to home.
“At the time when I was young, it always seemed that we were behind because we lived outside the cities and didn’t have access to the races, sponsorship and coaching and training support that other riders have,” Johnston said.
“But I’ve had the same coach from Tuross from when I was 12 years of age, until now.”
“I would advise young riders to use what they have got around them and don’t see themselves as disadvantaged. “
He says he understands the lure of the bigger events and the opportunities to race against tougher opponents. There’s also the feel of being part of large race, and seeing the way elite riders perform.
However, Johnston says younger riders should not take everything too seriously, and overlook the fun.
“If you are good enough it will happen, no matter where you live.”
Tathra and the annual Enduro offer local riders, one such opportunity – with a group of young men keen to test themselves against their bigger city rivals.
Four main events will run during the Enduro and spectators are more than welcome and officials offered a few key spectator points to catch some of the racing action on Sunday.
The first is park on Thompsons Road (near Old Tip Road) and walk to Evil Tom (which runs parallel to Thompsons Rd, the best times are 9am, 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Riders will also be entertained by drummers and music through the mountain sections.
The second in the rural fire shed, located at the top of Tathra near the water tower from 10am. Look out for the Uniting Church group – who sing and play up a storm at the drink station.
Home base for the event is the Tathra Country Club, races start and finish here, there’s also fresh coffee all day and the Lions barbecue for breakfast and lunch.
The final presentations take place at 2pm.