The Fat Tire Massive Mountain Bike Race Series, presented by ONE Communications, saw 95 competitors brave blustery conditions at Coney Island Park, but the event was dominated by a high rate of mechanical failures rather than pure racing, as sharp rocks exposed by recent heavy rain led to a record number of broken bikes.
With the impending motocross event looming, the mountain bikers tested the Coney Island course, a challenging one-mile circuit featuring 70 feet of climb, cool curves, and technical rocky sections.
However, heavy late-evening rains exposed sharp rock edges at a critical dip in the track, turning the course into a mechanical minefield. The attrition rate was unprecedented, with the record set at 15 broken bikes, 12 of which were due to flat tyres. The high number of withdrawals meant that several riders achieved personal best finishes simply by completing the race. The course development group extended their regrets to those affected and took immediate steps to ensure the issue would not be repeated.
Despite the chaos, National Champion Robin Horsfield claimed victory in the Open 60 Minute Male race, completing 12 laps in a time of 1:00:17. Jackson Langley finished second, also completing 12 laps in 1:04:02, and Brian Steinhoff took third after completing 11 laps.
Ashley Robinson won the Open 60 Minute Female race, clocking a 7-lap time of 1:07:40.
In the Open 30 Minute Male race, William Coatesworth secured the win, completing four laps in 29:46. Charles Dunstan was second, also completing four laps in 33:42.
Zina Jones won the Open 30 Minute Female race, completing three laps in a time of 30:46.
