The Australian National Downhill mountain bike series is almost done and dusted for the 2008/2009 season. The series has ventured all over Australia with tracks ranging from flat, slow and pedally to steep, pinned and muddy.
Josh Button on one of the smooth courses in the Aussie National series
That being said Mongoose, a bike company that many kids grew up on, is dominating with their all new 2009 Boot’R team. This is the first year that the Mongoose Boot’R downhill bike has been in production, and with much development input from pro downhill racer Andrew Needling during the 2008 World cup season, Josh Button and Mick Hannah are backing up that work on the Australian DH circuit.
Mick Hannah airs out the Boot'R
Long time Aussie pinner Mick Hannah had a full a year off racing bikes in 2008 and many questioned whether he would return. His first race back took place at the Australian Championships onboard the Boot’R and riding the course that will be used for the 2009 World Championships. Amongst a talented field of professional riders, Mick took the Title. This was not only his first race on the new Goose but the first time he had raced the Mt Stromlo Course.
Josh Button and his single-digit number plateMeanwhile Josh Button, a younger and less developed rider of 19 years of age has also been having and excellent season on the Mongoose Boot’R. Josh has been riding the bike all season and it is showing through in his results. With a consistent 4 rounds completed Josh has been leading the Aussie National point’s series and is still holding the number one plate heading into the final Downhill round in Tasmania only a few weeks away.
Racing in his first season in Under 17’s and coming off a double championship in the under 15 division last season is Troy Brosnan. A lot has been said about this young phenomenon from South Australia and he continues to back it up with fast times. With one round of the series left he too is in the hot seat and poised to make it a triple for Mongoose