Hog's Breath Cafe first national hails new Olympic hopefuls

Sep 28, 2008

Written by Bart de Jong

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Only one month after the Olympics the first national event was held in Australia today with what could be the next group of London 2012 Oly mpic hopefuls. The first round of the Hog's Breath Café National series in Cairns saw three local champions blitz today men's divisions. Former World Champion, 25 year old Ronnie Dugdell (Cairns), won the elite while fellow Cairns riders Kurt Nicholls and Joseph Costa won the junior Probikx and 16 Boys Champbikx races respectively making it a Cairns trifecta.

Dugdell, a 25 year old boilermaker, was rewarded with a win after yesterday claiming a state title in cruiser class. Second was Olympic hopeful, Townsville's Todd Pascoe. "I felt a bit tired this morning but after I got warmed up I was right," admitted Dugdell. "I've always wanted to race Todd (Pascoe) and today I got my chance."

Dugdell lined up with Pascoe in the motos with no clear leader until Dugdell beat Pascoe in the semi-final. A quick start and the added

advantage of knowing his home track was all Dugdell needed. "I had a good first straight then rode the track spot on. They would need to be going fast to pass me on the last straight," he added. Strong Townsville rider, Ashley Pemberton placed third.

Kurt Nicholls from Cairns claimed the junior men's race and took the fastest time trail of the day with an impressive 38.10 seconds lap. Second was Victoria's Matthew Dunsworth (Knox) and third was Joshua Nash (Cairns).

New Cairns club member, Joseph Costa, won the 16 boys Champbikx convincingly beating world bronze medallist, Darryn Goodwin (Hills) from Perth.

The elite women's Probikx was won by Rachel Bracken just 17 years of age from Townsville. Second and third were Cherie Simpson and Kate Fischmann both from the Gold Coast (Nerang).

Mackay's claimed two wins with world champion, Melinda McLeod and Jack Buchhorn winning the 16 girls and 14 boys respectively.

The 15 boys Champbikx was won by Redlands Luke Hombsch. The 15 girls winner, Chelsea King from Beenleigh beat current world champion, Madison Janssen from the Gold Coast.

The next two national rounds of the Hog's Breath Café Hogs Breath Probikx and Champbikx will be held in Nerang in January.