Team Banshee Australia and Banshee Factory supported riders Ben Power, Ryan Hunt and Cody Eichorn have been in training and racing mode for the past couple of months however; continuing rain on the east coast of Australia has created havoc with race programs.
Ben Power attended the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra along with other members of the Aussie National Junior DH Team last week which was supervised by National DH Coach, Jared Rando assisted by Nathan Rennie. The camp focused on many aspects of training including recovery, diet and race preparation. The weeks activities including several days of timed DH runs on numerous tracks in the area culminated with participation in Round 3 of the NSW/ACT Downhill State Series at Mt Stromlo (venue for 2008 World Cup and 2009 World Champs). The junior team raced up in class with the Elite Men and achieved excellent results on race day. The weather was extremely cold and very windy which made hitting jumps and gaps very interesting!
Ben qualified in 4th position and placed 6th in the final run after having some issues shortly after the start. Cody placed 7th and unfortunately; Ryan had a major mechanical shortly after the start in qualifying and was forced to do a chainless run which tipped him out of the final race. Ben was the 3rd fastest Junior and has not done his chances of final selection to the National Junior DH Team any harm! Ben is now concentrating on training including DH and XC with fellow Junior team member, Brandon Yrttiaho (Yetti/Fox)and contesting remaining rounds of the Queensland and NSW/ACT State Series. Ryan and Cody continue to train hard and will meet up with Ben in Coffs Harbour for the final round of the NSW/ACT series in a few weeks time.
