Crowds have amassed to the high alpine of Thredbo for 4 days of adrenaline-fueled, gravity-fed action with some of the worlds’ best, as the Cannonball Festival falls upon the village. Over 700 competitors have entered, spread across the 5 events of the weekend.
The huge numbers meant a more spread out schedule, with Thursday bringing competitors down the Maxxis All-Mountain Assault with sunny skies above. The wind would eventually blow over some rain at nightfall, however stoke was at an all-time high for the first day of Cannonball Fest 2017.
As the event came to a close, Ben Forbes crossed the line with the fastest time ( ), with Josh Carlson and Scott Graham claiming second and third. Sian A’hern took out Pro Women with a time of 14:26, with Claire Whiteman and Tegan Molloy in second and third.
Friday brought with it a threat of showers, which didn’t arrive until about 2pm with the event of light hail, putting a halt to downhill seeding. Most riders would eventually pull the plug, as Friday’s wet conditions would be very different to the sunny Sunday conditions that are to be.
Pro and U19 men still made their seeding runs, with Troy Brosnan taking pole position, closely followed by Frenchy Amaury Pierron. Kye A’hern took the lead ahead of Pat Butler in U19’s.
After Friday’s brief showers, the pumptrack challenge still went on in spectacular fashion. Despite the damp grounds, riders and spectators still had high spirits.
Pro and U19 categories went head to head as the sun set, with Tom Crimmins coming out on top in the Pro Mens category, ahead of David McMillan and Duke Millington, with only .12 seconds separating the top 3.
Kye A’hern took the win in U19 Mens.
Sian A’hern couldn’t quite best Danielle Beecrofts pumptrack power, coming in a close second, with Harriet Burbidge-Smith in third.
The rain has passed and the weekend is looking sunny for the remainder of the festival! Stay tuned for more coming over the next few days.
Story and Photos // Nick Waygood