Friday, September 19, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Tough Trails & Top Pedals

Mackay Cycles XCO Series 2 Delivers

Mackay’s mountain biking community turned up the gears for the Mackay Cycles XCO Series 2, with riders of all ages battling tough trails and clocking impressive times. The event, held on September 13, saw fast racing, strong finishes, and plenty of local pride across every grade.

In the E-Bike categories, Zac Schwarzrock dominated the men’s field, completing five laps in 1:30:45, while Mel Maddison-Stanton powered to victory in the women’s race.

The hotly contested A Grade saw Ethan Weiss edge out fellow riders with a four-lap time of 1:20:14 in the men’s race, while elite road and MTB rider Ruth Corset claimed the women’s crown in 1:21:27.

B Grade Men went to Max Teague, whose consistency across three laps earned him the top step, while Naomi Ballard topped the B Grade Women division. In C Grade Men, Camden Brownsey led the pack, finishing just ahead of Eddie Rose and Scott Bennett.

The D Grade Men race was won by Ethan Green, and in the women’s field Isabella Land rode strongly to secure first place.

Juniors showed off the sport’s exciting future. Oaklan Marwood impressed in the U13 Boys, while Toby Maitland raced clear in the U11 Boys and Stella Goodwill shone in the U11 Girls. The U9 Boys produced some of the closest racing of the day, with Sacha Sawtell just holding off Ged Rafferty by three seconds.

Photo source: Mad Mountain Bike Club

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