National Club Esports Series: eRANDWICK up to 3rd after MTB round

15 Oct 2021 | 04:52 PMBy: Ryan Miu

Vikings Cycling Club has maintained its lead in the National Club Esports Series while eRANDWICK has climbed back onto the podium after a brutal Round 5.

The latest Zwift event on Wednesday was a 27km mountain bike race along the ‘Serpentine 8’ course, featuring two interminable dirt climbs.

The course proved highly selective. Thanks to the hills and high rolling resistance, riders were split into small bunches across the course. The largest lead group in any grade consisted of only 21 riders, as most races ended in a sprint between a handful of competitors.

Having slid off the podium in Round 2, eRANDWICK moved back up to third place ahead of Waratah Masters Cycling Club by just 39 points. The club’s resurgence stemmed from strong results from the likes of Chris Ling, Nicholas Johns, Rob Hacker and Andrew Hughes in the men’s categories, and Marjan McGarry and Holly Cogle on the women’s side.

Thanks to its consistent overall participation, especially in the women’s races, Vikings CC extended its lead even though second-placed Canberra Cycling Club won three grades. Liam O’Dea (B Grade Men), Nathan Schubert (D Grade Men) and Margaux Jacquet (B Grade Women) each took maximum points for Canberra on the dusty roads.

With a lead of 311 points, Vikings CC’s overall victory seems all but assured, while Canberra has the silver medal position on lock. However, the fight for the podium will go all the way to the finish with eRANDWICK, Waratah Masters and Bathurst CC still in the hunt.

Next week’s final round will see racers take on a three-lap kermesse on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.