Dylan Dean Designs's factory rider Bryn Atkinson scored silver on Australia Day at the 2008 Australian Mountain bike Championships on the slopes of Mt. Stromlo in Canberra, Australia. After qualifying first, ahead of defending Australian National downhill champion Nathan Rennie, Atkinson knew he had a shot at the title, but Rennie went on to win the final and along with it, kept his national title.
"I had a pretty descent run," said Atkinson. "I had to improvise in a couple of different sections, but I've been running flats lately, so it kinda makes it a little bit easier when stuff happens. Ya know - all you have to do is lean back and go for it!"
"Conditions were a bit how you going really. Dust and bumps everywhere. One little mistake towards the finish and I though it might not be enough but I knew I'd punched it up the top," said Rennie after his win.
On race day, Atkinson knew he had to go for it. Although the course lacked in steepness, it still proved to be a challenge as the lower section had large amounts of pedalling, sapping riders of their energy. But even with a run that please him, Atkinson fell just shy of the win.
Excited about his result, Atkinson is looking forward to building on his momentum as he works on his training for the 2008 World Cup season.
In the women's race, Great Britain's Tracy Moseley (Kona Factory Team) won ahead of Australia's Tracey Hannah (Raw NRG); however, Hannah claimed the national title as the first Australian finisher.
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"It's always great racing her," said Hannah. "I'm really happy she came and she'll be here next week. It was a bit more competitive. It's always really great when internationals come over here."
