2006 junior sensation Sam Blenkinsop has started 2007 on the right foot by
winning the Elite Men's Downhill National Series, in his first attempt. Going
into the finals in Levin on the weekend Sam had a 23 point lead and was
comfortably placed to take the overall, but still went flat out to win the
final round by two and half seconds over Junior World Champ Cameron Cole.
Two wins in the season, round 1 and round 5, plus the ability to drop a round,
gave Sam a final winning margin of 35 points.
Below is an interview with Sam following the event, plus the results.
Q&A:
Q: So Sam, first year into the elite men's category and you've wrapped up the
National Series. Was that a big goal for 2007?
A: Not really. It's a great title to have but I've been using the series as my
pre-international season training. My big goals lie in Europe.
Q: You had two wins, the first and the last rounds. Were you disappointed not
to pick up another win?
A: I wasn't too worried. Like I say, it was important training and I feel
stronger now this time this year than last year.
Q: Going into the final round, you had a 23 point lead. Did you feel
comfortable with that margin, knowing that the rules allow for a throw out, or
were you still pretty nervous about picking up the points you needed?
A: No I wasn't nervous about the final round. Glenn Haden, who was coming 2nd
in the overall, wasn't able to be there and Cameron Cole was too far behind in
points and had no way of catching up.
Q: How did you ride the seeding run in the final round?
A: I went all out but crashed, but still managed 2nd place. This gave me an
idea of what to look out for on the track, in my final race run.
Q: What do you think was the biggest difference in riding elite compared to
junior last year?
A: Faster and more experienced riders and that forced me to step up.
Q: In a couple of weeks you fly over to Europe to start your international
season with your team Gravity Group. Will that mean a major change in bike set
up, equipment etc, or will you be pretty much be on the same rig in Europe as
you have been at home?
A: Almost the same, I continue on a Turner frame, but the forks, wheels and
brakes will be different. But it won't be a major change for me.
Q: How long will you be overseas for this year, and how do you cope with such
long trips away from home?
A: Seven months this time. It's not too bad. The time actually flies by for me.
Q: Your first race is a Maxxis Cup in Portugal, in Gouveia. Do you know the
track? What are your expectations?
A: No, I've never been to Gouveia, but I've seen video of the track before and
it looks like a really cool track to race. I'm hoping for a top 5 finish.
Q: For the World Cup, what goals do you have for the 2007 season?
A: To be on the podium at a few races, that would be cool.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Worlds, especially the Fort William track?
A: The Worlds are the most nerve wracking race of the season and it's the one
everyone wants to win. I missed riding Fort William last year due to injury but
I've walked it a couple of times and it looks like a good track for me.
Q: Any favourite foods that you take with you from home when you go overseas?
The Aussies often take Vegemite and Minnaar usually takes some antelope
jerky....
A: No nothing special
Date:
01/03/2007