Utopia Optics' Jared Graves claims Australian Downhill Crown

Utopia's Jared Graves found two seconds was enough to win the 2007 Australian Downhill Champion title in Canberra on Sunday. Riding against some of the world's best riders, the 24 year-old from Toowoomba had a clean run to finish in 3.19.86. Graves, the 2005 world silver medalist, has been focused on his specialty of mountain cross (and most recently professional BMX) but that didn't stop him from winning his first national downhill title. Defending national champion, Utopia's Nathan Rennie could not repeat last year's win but claimed second with 3.22.05. Despite failing to repeat his sensational 2006 victory, currently ranked third in the world, Rennie was too fast for Canberra based Jared Rando who finished a creditable third with a 3.24.21. The fastest time in the Elite Women's category was posted by 'local' Julia Boer. Unfortunately for Boer, she was unable to claim the champion’s jersey as the Hungarian citizen is not eligible for a national placing. The citizenship technicality meant that second fastest on the day Joanne Fox (wearing Utopia goggles) took out the Elite Women's Australian Downhill Championship with a superb 4.13. Utopia's Mitchell Delfs dominated the Under 19 Men's category in style with his 3.12.77 enough to take the win, and equivalent of a top 10 Elite Men's placing. The West Australian won the event from Will Rischbieth and Joshua Button. Elite Men: 1. Jared Graves - 3:19.86 [UTOPIA] *Australian National Champion 2. Nathan Rennie - 3:22.05 [UTOPIA] 3. Jared Rando - 3:24.21 4. Filip Polc - 3:24.56 5. Amiel Cavalier - 3:24.93 Elite Women: 1. Julia Boer - 4:12.23 2. Joanne Fox - 4:12.74 [UTOPIA] *Australian National Champion 3. Claire Whiteman - 4:17.72 4. Cara Smith - 4:17.99 5. Julia Martin - 4:28.80 U19 Men: 1. Mitchell Delfs 3:25.77 [UTOPIA] *Australian Jr National Champion 2. Will Rischbieth - 3:28.40 3. Joshua Button - 3:30.33 4. James Maltman - 3:32.38 5. Tom Patton - 3:32.57 Elite Men's Four Cross 1. Des Curry [UTOPIA] New Zealand National Champion www.utopiaoptics.com