Brendan Johnston, Steve Johnston

Brendan joined the Mongoose MTB team in October 2007. We provide his local shop support, and also sponsor his dad and transport organiser / chaperone, Steve.

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25/1/09

National Championships, Stromlo Forest Park

National Championships and National series Rnd 4 Update

The Australia Day weekend and Stromlo Forest Park again hosted the National MTB Championships. Race day was Sunday and the junior men had an early start to beat the heat at 8:30. The start was hectic with around 40 junior men trying to get into the same piece of single track at the same time. I was in about 5th up the first climb and having done a lot of practice on the track I was able to get through into second. I was feeling great and was amazed at the legs and fitness I was granted with on the day. Still on the first lap I was comfortably sitting in second, until at about 35km/h I bit the dust, as my pedal had clipped a rock and sent me flying into more rocks. I was on the ground and just watching the other riders go past. In a world of hurt I was able to get back on the bike and realise I had gone from 2nd to 11th in the blink of an eye. As the adrenalin built up so did my confidence and the only thing that was declining was my position. Passing so many people just made me more determine to pass another by the fourth lap I was in second and that’s the way it ended, not a fairy tale ride but I was pleased with my efforts. Michael Baker was first and third was Adrian Ratief from NZ. Thanks goes to Mongoose Bikes, SRAM, Maxxis, crankbrothers, MET, adidas eyeware, Verofit Nutrional products, Skins Compression Garments, Moruya Bicycles, My family and The Henderson family.

 

Only four days later and we were on the road again to Mt Buller for the fourth round of the Australian national series. The track was different and a change was welcome. After watching the days racing with fellow mongoose riders Rebecca and Ben both on and beside the podium the pressure was on. Once again the start was hectic and third into the dusty single track was not where I wanted to be. The first fire road was the only chance I had to take the lead and breath some clean air. I gaped the field and was riding the switchbacks well which increased my lead. From here it only got better every lap was an improvement and by the time the longer than usual race of 1hour 53 minutes . I finished first 7 minutes ahead of 2nd place Michael Baker and in third was series leader Trenton Day. I am now equal series leader with Trenton. Thanks goes to Mongoose Bikes, SRAM, Maxxis, crankbrothers, MET, adidas eyeware, Verofit Nutrional products, Skins Compression Garments, Moruya Bicycles , My family and The Henderson family. A special thankyou to Steve Brennan my coach . Bring on round four in Hobart!

MTB National Championships 2008 (Stromlo) & Round 4 National Series (Mt Beauty)

The 2008 MTB National Championships were held at Mt Stromlo for the second consecutive year. The course was completely different to last year and was a tough one. The climb was as long and hard and the descents were fast and technical. I felt very confident every time I rode the course as I had done a lot of practice on it, and felt like I knew it really well.

3/11/07 - National Cross Country Round 1 Adelaide

We flew in to Adelaide around 1pm, got the hire car and arranged the accommodation.