BECKINGSALE BATTLES THE MUD DOWN UNDER

Following a successful Beijing Olympic Games in which he beat his two previous Olympic outings to finish 12th overall, Oli Beckingsale continued his international travels to Australia for World Cup Round 8 in Canberra.

From the heat of Beijing Oli had to attune quickly to the cool of South East Australia where the temperature was a chilly 8 degrees but flying into the same time zone meant that his body arrived without the effects of jet lag and he was ready to race.

On the flat but technical and rocky singletrack course at Canberra, Oli started well before suffering the first of two flat front tyres, rolling over the finish line in 22nd place, not the result he was hoping for.

With the arrival of Sunday morning came the chance to overcome the gremlins of the Saturday with a big money short track race slotted between the Downhill Semi-Final and Final. The 25 minute race of 3 minute laps offered the opportunity for an all out blast but this was dampened by overnight rain which had bathed the course in rain, and in turn mud.

“It had rained all night and it was muddy as! I got stuck in and was riding well and having fun” said Oli.

Oli fought hard and was just beaten to a podium finish on the final lap by World Champion Christoph Sauser, a great result in difficult conditions. 

Next up for Oli is a World Cup final race in Austria.  For Oli's personal updates and for tips and advice visit his website www.olibeck.com