Chris Kovarik is the king of the coast!

While the team is taking a bit of time off after the busy season and I am working on the teams plans for 2009 Chris is already back home in Australia taking advantage of the new race season there. Thanks to Chris' girlfriend Claire Buchar for this race report. Chris Kovarik took home the win at a local race on the Gold Coast in Australia this past weekend, crowning him the King of the Coast. The event, put on by Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club and Two Wheel Promotions, was a 3 race combined time format held at 2 different venues over the weekend. With 3 races to pack into 2 days, it was a busy weekend. The weather was hot and dry so riders had to be smart with staying hydrated and it made for some dusty loose conditions. On Saturday, riders attacked the world class track at Illinbah(venue for up-coming November Australian National round and put in as a bid to host a future World Cup). Racers were able to get "wide open" on this track, the majority of it being fast, wide and open! Chris began his lead here with a 6 second plus win over Jared Graves and the rest of the field. Sunday held 2 short races on 2 tracks in the Twin Peaks area just down the valley from Illinbah. Shuttles began bright and early at 8am and the first track was tricky with lots of rocky technical sections. Again, Chris dominated winning by 3 plus seconds on the 1 minute 40 second course. The second track had a different feel with lots of drifty roosty corners, lots of fun for the riders and exciting for the crowd. Chris sealed the deal with another consistent run, winning all 3 races and taking the overall by 12.582 seconds. "Although I've just finished a hectic season of traveling and racing, it's good to come back home and support the local races, catch up with mates and enjoy the typical laid back Aussie race atmosphere", Chris commented on the podium to the crowd after thanking the organizers for hosting the event. Both riders and spectators were thrilled to see international riders Chris Kovarik and Jared Graves' displays of skill and support for the grass roots scene. Even Nathan Rennie, not riding due to a sore knee, came out to be present and show his support. For full results and more info, visit www.twowheelpromotions.com.au