MTB Direct Spirit Award 2026
Ride with heart, race with spirit – earn the MTB Direct Spirit Award with Rocky Trail!
This title will be awarded to a selected rider for each race based on merit. As a proud supporter of the mountain biking community, MTB Direct has generously provided Spirit Award Gift Cards for all 2025 Superflow® events!
MTB Direct’s unwavering support and dedication to the mountain biking community continue to elevate the Fox Superflow® experience, adding an extra layer of excitement and reward for participants. Whether you’re aiming for the podium or embodying the true spirit of mountain biking, MTB Direct is here to celebrate and equip riders for their next adventure on the trails.
Fox Superflow® SEries 2026
MTB Direct Spirit Award WINNERS
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Red Hill VIC 2026
Daniel Rogers, Vet 30+
The 2026 VIC Series kicked off at Red Hill with a great atmosphere, and the MTB Direct Spirit Award went to a rider who truly lives for the mountain bike community. Known for his positive energy, Daniel spent the whole weekend cheering on other racers and showing everyone what the sport is about. He was the very first rider at the start and the last one to finish on Sunday, proving his dedication to the trails – and scoring a second place in the Vets category!
Having raced with Rocky Trail for many years and even traveling interstate for events, he is now using these races as a training ground for his plans to compete overseas. Whether he was sharing stories with fellow riders or providing race footage with his mate from Sportilium, he was a constant support to everyone around him.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – NAROOMA NSW 2026
Florence Perez, U17
For the Narooma Fox Superflow®, the MTB Direct Spirit Award is proudly handed to a standout U17 female rider from Victoria. Despite traveling a long way from home, she arrived with a focus and energy that caught our attention. She has set a huge goal for herself this year: she’s determined to compete in every single Superflow® round across the country.
Her positive attitude was a highlight of the weekend, as she tackled the Narooma trails with a smile and plenty of motivation. Even the first season in the competitive U17 category, she focused on enjoying the ride and encouraging those around her. It’s that kind of drive and sportsmanship that makes her a perfect representative of the mountain biking spirit.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Creswick VIC 2026
Jethro Butler, Expert 19+
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Creswick Fox Superflow® goes to Jethro Butler who perfectly balanced a competitive edge with a great attitude. Nominated by our race starters, he spent the entire weekend fighting for the lead while never losing his smile or his willingness to chat with everyone at the top of the hill. While he was friendly off-track, his “race face” was definitely on during his runs, with photos showing total concentration as he tackled the Creswick terrain.
This focus paid off on the podium, where he claimed the top step in the Expert 19+ category. It was a hard-fought victory, as he secured the win by a narrow margin of just over two seconds. By clocking the fastest times on two out of the four race tracks, he proved he had both the speed and the spirit to lead the field all weekend long.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – SILVAN VIC 2026
Jai George, U17
Kudos to Jai who faced a string of tough luck with incredible grit. After a crash broke his helmet on Saturday, he got medical clearance and returned Sunday with a new one, only to destroy his derailleur mid-race. Despite having to walk his bike all the way from the Fox finish to the DH finish, he stayed positive and remained genuinely thankful for all the help he received.
What truly impressed the crew was his maturity in knowing when to call it a day. After the second issue with the mechanical, he was happy with the runs he’d managed to put down and spent the rest of the afternoon cheering from the sidelines. This weekend was clearly one of those defining moments that shapes a rider’s character; by learning his limits and keeping a positive outlook despite the chaos, he’s walked away with more than just a result. It’s that kind of resilience and self-awareness that will undoubtedly serve him well throughout his future racing career.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – UC STROMLO 2026
Ruth O’Brien, Supermaster 50+
For the Stromlo Mania event, we’d like to acknowledge Ruth O’Brien as the MTB Direct Spirit Award racing in the Supermaster 50+ category. Her infectious energy and bubbly personality were a total highlight of the weekend! She spent Saturday morning leading a group of female riders in racing the shuttled race with the Diamonds Shred Session, sharing her passion and motivating everyone around her.
While Ruth has been active in the Canberra mountain biking scene for decades, this was actually her first-ever Fox Superflow® race. Successfully taking on the tough gravity trails and mastering the iconic DH World Cup track in a race environment was a massive personal achievement, Ruth said. She was rightly proud of her performance, but just as proud to have brought others along on the journey with her. We are incredibly grateful to have Ruth’s leadership and spirit in our community.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Mt Cotton 2026
Mardi Vasnaik, Supermaster 50+
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Mt Cotton Fox Superflow® goes to a special rider who has spent many seasons cheering from the sidelines. After years of accompanying her sons to Rocky Trail events, Mardi finally decided to step up to the start line herself (far right, at the Diamonds track briefing with Race Director Bob). Naturally, the pre-race nerves were high, but the event’s Diamonds Shred Session – a dedicated morning initiative for female riders – offered the perfect launching pad to ease her into the day alongside a supportive mix of first-timers and experienced racers.
Despite being incredibly worried at the start, her fellow Diamonds racers and the Rocky Trail crew rallied around her to build her confidence. “As soon as I was on course, it felt so good, so natural,” she said. “I got to do it all at my own pace and knew the other girls and crew were looking out for me.” After proudly completing all three race stages and with a sparkle in her eyes, she has already announced plans to take on the entire Tropical QLD series, eager to join every Diamonds Shred session and support other riders the exact same way she was supported.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Toowoomba 2026
Brian Crane, Electroflow Master 40+
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at Toowoomba went to Brian Crane, a racer who proved that the true spirit of mountain biking happens both on and off the clock. Brian’s Saturday started with a heavy dose of bad luck when he suffered a flat tire right in the car park. By the time he went home to fix it and returned, racing for the day had wrapped up. Undeterred, he went out to casually scope the tracks, only to come across a member of the general public who had crashed heavily and suffered severe facial injuries. Rather than worrying about his own missed trail time, Brian stayed by the side of the injured rider and his father until medical help arrived and they were safely off-site. Despite losing his entire Saturday of riding to help a stranger, Brian rolled up on Sunday morning with a fantastic attitude, embodying the exact selflessness and community care that this award is all about. Thank you, Brian.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Mogo trails 2026
Antoinette Harmer, Electroflow SuperMaster 50+
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Mogo Trails event is proudly awarded to Antoinette Harmer, who went above and beyond to build community both before and during the race weekend. In the lead-up to the event, Antoinette was incredibly supportive, actively spreading the word about the Diamonds Shred session to female riders through her networks in Canberra and the local Batemans Bay MTB Club. Her efforts helped create a massive turnout on Saturday at Mogo Mania, which saw two separate groups of women out on the tracks – one exploring the Eastern Zone and the other tackling the Trig Zone. Beyond her event-day support, Antoinette is an active member of her local club, regularly rolling up her sleeves for trail maintenance days and bringing a positive attitude that truly helps grow and connect the mountain biking community. Thank you, Antoinette!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Finch hatton, mackay 2026
Charlie Thames, U19
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Mackay event weekend went to 17-year-old Charlie, who stole the show during the post-race Pumptrack event at the Finch Hatton Trails. After a massive day of racing on the big trails, Charlie found himself in the pumptrack final lined up against none other than “Sick” Mick Hannah, one of Australia’s most accomplished mountain biking legends. Despite the immense pressure of standing at the final start line next to an icon, the young rider kept his composure and pulled off a spectacular victory.
According to his mentor, Coach Cameron from Dirt Skills in Brisbane, the win is a well-deserved reward for a kid who practically grew up on pumptracks and rides more than anyone he knows. Charlie is already giving back to the sport, having spent the last six months coaching up-and-coming riders with the Dirt Skills crew, where he is known for being incredibly determined yet completely humble.
Though Coach Cameron had introduced Charlie to Mick before the racing kicked off, making the final was still a complete shock to the teenager. The Dirt Skills crew and the two finalists Charlie and Mick then had dinner together to celebrate the win. Huge credit goes to Charlie for managing his race nerves, keeping it together under pressure, and riding his heart out. He was absolutely stunned by the win, and the entire community is incredibly proud to see his dedication pay off so beautifully.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Woolgoolga 2026
Nerang High School Teachers
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Woolgoolga Fox Superflow® was proudly awarded to two exceptional teachers from Nerang High School on the Gold Coast. Making the trip down to Woolgoolga with 16 students, these dedicated educators went above and beyond by guiding their crew through Friday’s Academy session and supporting them right across the entire Superflow® weekend. For many of these young riders, it was their very first schools and Fox Superflow event, and their enthusiasm said it all – the kids had an absolute ball.
The energy, patience, and commitment required to organise, transport, and mentor a group of students like this is truly inspiring. We are in absolute awe of these amazing humans who give so much of themselves to create life-changing opportunities for the next generation of mountain bikers, and our community is immensely grateful for their dedication.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Ipswich 2026
Lux Wood, U15
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Ipswich Fox Superflow® went to Lux Wood, a local first-time racer whose independence and pure enthusiasm won over the entire crew. After meeting our Race Director on the tracks earlier in the week and finding out he could enter, Lux went home, got the green light from his mum, and signed up for his very first race. Bright-eyed and super nervous, he rode his ebike 5 km from home on Saturday morning, arriving at 6:30 AM just to make sure he was first in line for his race plate.
His polite manners and eager attitude set the tone for a fantastic day on the dirt, where he went all-out and clocked an incredible 9 race runs. While he was likely far too exhausted to back it up on Sunday, his determination, independence, and great attitude made him a standout favorite of the whole weekend.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Eden 2026
Josefin Andersson, U13
The Eden Fox Superflow® was a monumental weekend for us – we were stoked about the record 20% female field across the entire event! Perfectly capturing this incredible energy was our MTB Direct Spirit Award winner – an 11-year-old junior racer who has been hitting the trails with Rocky Trail alongside her mum and brother since 2024. Racing with true commitment and enthusiasm, she continuously puts herself out there. At Eden, she took that confidence to another level by being the only female rider to hop onto the pumptrack and punch out hot laps right alongside the guys.
Our crew commented on what an absolute joy it was to see her at the start lines throughout the weekend. Her bright attitude make her such an impressive young rider, and we couldn’t be more proud of her. We can’t wait to watch her continue to with us for many years to come.
Archive
MTB Direct Spirit Award WINNERS 2025
Claire Cherrington, Vet 30+
Claire, a first-time racer, made a splash at the Rocky Trail Entertainment Fox Superflow® at Awaba MTB Park, earning the MTB Direct Spirit Award. Choosing the event for its Diamonds Sessions, where she could ride all tracks in sequence with fellow women, Claire’s positive attitude, courage and determination shone brightly. Despite this being her first competitive event, she tackled the trails with heart and tenacity, inspiring everyone around her. With the MTB Direct’s Spirit Award we’d like to recognise and celebrate Claire’s inspiring debut. Her experience exemplifies the goal of the Diamonds Sessions: to make mountain biking more inclusive and empowering for women. We warmly welcome Claire to our community!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – narooma NSW 2025
Levi Breust, U15
Huge shoutout to our MTB Direct Spirit Award winner at the Narooma Superflow® – Levi Breust! This awesome U15 rider totally crushed it, battling the heat on Saturday’s race. But what really blew us away was his dedication on Sunday. Instead of chilling, Levi was out there all day, helping the crew as a marshal. This young rider knows those trails like the back of his hand, so he was super helpful checking the course, keeping things running smoothly, and even helping us with the pack-up at the end. Seriously, this kid’s enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in was off the charts – a true legend and a well-deserved MTB Direct Spirit Award winner!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Mt Cotton QLD 2025
Claudio Araujo, U15
This young under-15 racer at the Fox Superflow® event at Mt Cotton truly embodied the MTB Direct Spirit! Completing four runs on all three tracks is an incredible feat of perseverance and dedication at any age, let alone under 15. What’s even more impressive is Claudio’s willingness to help other young solo riders – a testament to his character. He was an absolute credit to his parents, always so polite and thoughtful, even taking the time to check in on the Rocky Trail team members at the start lines. A remarkable young rider!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – UC Stromlo Mania ACT 2025
Nikki Caldwell (Grandmaster 60+)
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at Stromlo Mania goes to Nikki Caldwell! This incredible racer has been with us since the very beginning, a constant presence on our rocky trails for all of 17 years. From the early days of 4X and Dual Slalom to cross-country races to the gravity enduros, she has consistently shown her passion and dedication to mountain biking and our events.
Year after year, rain or shine, she’s out there with us, embodying the very spirit of Rocky Trail. Her perseverance through tough conditions and her unwavering support for our community make her an invaluable member of our racing family. Every time we see her lining up, ready to take on the challenge, it brings a genuine smile to our faces. This award is a small yet hugely heartfelt thank you for her years of commitment, her infectious enthusiasm, and for being such an integral part of the Rocky Trail story. Thanks, Nikki xo
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Red Hill VIC 2025
Kellie Cooper (Super Master 50+)
The Fox Superflow® at Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula in VIC saw an incredible display of grit and determination, particularly from our Spirit Award winner! In her very first mountain bike race ever, competing in the Super Master category, she absolutely smashed it. Her effort was truly phenomenal, showcasing an inspiring level of commitment on the trails. And to top it all off, we hear she celebrated her 50th birthday earlier this year – what an absolutely awesome way to kick off the roaring fifties, by embracing the thrill of racing! We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate her spirit and achievement.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Ipswich QLD 2025
Luke McAndrews (Expert)
It’s an absolute honour to announce the MTB Direct Spirit Award winner from the recent Ipswich Fox Superflow®! This time, the award goes to an incredible 25-year-old rider Luke McAndrew whose commitment and determination left us truly astounded.
What makes his achievement so remarkable? He’s an active soldier in the Australian Defence Force, and his race day was squeezed between two night shifts. Imagine the dedication it takes to complete all your race runs within a single hour, amidst such a demanding schedule! We were so impressed by his unwavering spirit and incredible effort. Congratulations to our deserving winner!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Jolly Nose, Port Macquarie NSW 2025
Tiarna Crichton (Expert)
Huge shoutout to our MTB Direct Spirit Award Winner at the Jolly Nose Fox Superflow®! Tiarna Crichton from the Newcastle Region absolutely blew our crew away with her tenacity, completing a phenomenal 11 runs in Port Macquarie. We were so impressed – “she’s been smiling all day and still at top at 3:30 for another last run!” Turns out, this dedicated rider has been following the NSW/ACT Fox Superflow® series all year, having already conquered races at Awaba in Newcastle and the 2 Rounds at the Stromlo Mania in Canberra. Jolly Nose was her third race with us this year and Tiarna just claimed the 4th podium position – a win in her category and second outright in the women’s at Jolly Nose! What an effort! We’ll see you at Mogo Mania in July?
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Finch Hatton, Mackay QLD 2025
Oliver Bradey (U17)
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Finch Hatton Superflow® goes to someone truly awesome! It was Oliver’s first ride back after an injury, and even though it was a big ask, he totally crushed it with his determination. The marshals and staff were stoked to see him enjoying the race again. This award isn’t just about getting back on the bike; it’s about the incredible positive vibes and passion Oliver brought to the trails. Huge congrats for embodying the true spirit of mountain biking!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Mogo Trails NSW 2025
Daniel Rogers (Vets 30+)
Friedo Ligthart (SuperMaster)
Friedo Ligthart and Daniel Rogers, two absolute legends from Victoria, brought some serious shredding and an abundance of good vibes to the Mogo Mania 2-day stage race of the Fox Superflow® on Mogo Trails. Their infectious enthusiasm and pure joy on two wheels all weekend long earned them the highly coveted MTB Direct Spirit Award. From the moment they rolled in, they were spreading high-fives and positive energy, both out on the singletrack and back at the event hub.
The weekend was packed with memorable moments for the duo, but nothing beat Friedo’s epic third-place finish, snatched by finding a crucial second on his last run down Bot Garden. Daniel absolutely smashed it to take home the overall Mogo Maniac title in the Veteran 30+ category. After all the laps and prep that went into this event, it was a seriously rewarding payoff. Friedo and Daniel perfectly summed up the pure gnar and joy of hitting the trails with your best mate, leaving everyone at Mogo Mania pumped!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Mt Joyce, QLD 2025
Craig Collins (SuperMaster 50+)
At the Fox Superflow at Mt Joyce, one rider truly exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship, earning the MTB Direct Spirit Award. Craig Collins demonstrated profound compassion when he encountered an injured fellow competitor. Instead of continuing his own race, he immediately stopped to provide assistance.
His commitment extended beyond initial first aid; he stayed with the injured rider, ensuring their safety and comfort. In an act of truly remarkable selflessness, he even accompanying the rider all the way home, making sure they stayed safe. This extraordinary display of care and community spirit perfectly embodies the values the MTB Direct Spirit Award celebrates, proving that true victory lies not just in speed, but in kindness.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Toowoomba, QLD 2025
Elsie Copley (U13)
What a legend! Young Elsie Copley, an Under 13 rider, is our well-deserved winner of the MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Fox Superflow® in Toowoomba. Despite starting the weekend with some race nerves, Elsie was soon in the zone, riding alongside her dad, Robbie. But things took a serious turn when Robbie had a nasty crash, with suspected broken ribs.
Most kids would have been shaken, but not Elsie. She insisted her dad wait while she powered through her remaining runs on the more technical tracks. She just wanted to finish what she started! After her mum arrived and took Robbie to the hospital, Elsie even came back to the course to try and improve her time – placing 2nd in her category! That kind of heart and determination is what the sport is all about, and a big shout-out to Robbie for hanging in there for his superstar daughter!
MTB Direct spirit award – silvan vic 2025
Arif Susetyo (Master 40+)
A big shoutout to the MTB Direct Spirit Award winner Arif Susetyo at the Silvan Fox Superflow®! This 40-year-old rider, currently studying in Melbourne, brought incredible energy to the event. He was super proud to represent his home country Indonesia. Even though he was one of the last riders of the day, battling through a wet hailstorm, his spirits never dropped. He was always smiling, happy, and chatting with other riders after each run, making Arif a truly deserving recipient of this award.
MTB Direct spirit award – Nerang QLD 2025
Ethan Boulding (U17)
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Nerang Fox Superflow® was given to an incredible young rider from the Under 17 category, Ethan Boulding. This young racer went above and beyond to help an injured competitor during the event. This act of selflessness truly embodies the spirit of the sport, and we are so proud to see our Rocky Trail family, especially our younger riders, looking out for one another on the trails. It’s a fantastic reminder of the sportsmanship and community that makes mountain biking so special.
MTB Direct spirit award – Woolgoolga NSW 2025
Alicia Southwell (Support Crew)
Fox Superflow at Woolgoolga, the real hero wasn’t dodging trees, but dodging doctor’s appointments! We’re awarding the MTB Direct Spirit Award to Alicia – the ultimate pit crew chief to three of our racers (son Connor pictured) and a super-mum who has been a traveling trauma unit this season!
Alicia spent the entire series herding her racing family (two sons and husband Shane) while treating not just scrapes and bruises, but also doing trips to and from hospitals. Seriously, the whole crew was basically held together with duct tape and Alicia’s amazing positivity! Shane even managed to injure himself before the Woolgoolga race. Despite the chaos and the constant calendar juggling, while the boys were chasing seconds Alicia was a beacon of sunshine at the event hub.
That type of determination proves that the support network is as vital as the athletes’ drive and for the Rocky Trail community, athletes and family are one. It’s high time this supporter parked the medic bag to hit the trails herself. Go on, Alicia, your trophy is an award for getting to the finish line of this Season too 🙂
Claire Cherrington, Vet 30+
Claire, a first-time racer, made a splash at the Rocky Trail Entertainment Fox Superflow® at Awaba MTB Park, earning the MTB Direct Spirit Award. Choosing the event for its Diamonds Sessions, where she could ride all tracks in sequence with fellow women, Claire’s positive attitude, courage and determination shone brightly. Despite this being her first competitive event, she tackled the trails with heart and tenacity, inspiring everyone around her. With the MTB Direct’s Spirit Award we’d like to recognise and celebrate Claire’s inspiring debut. Her experience exemplifies the goal of the Diamonds Sessions: to make mountain biking more inclusive and empowering for women. We warmly welcome Claire to our community!
Levi Breust, U15
Huge shoutout to our MTB Direct Spirit Award winner at the Narooma Superflow® – Levi Breust! This awesome U15 rider totally crushed it, battling the heat on Saturday’s race. But what really blew us away was his dedication on Sunday. Instead of chilling, Levi was out there all day, helping the crew as a marshal. This young rider knows those trails like the back of his hand, so he was super helpful checking the course, keeping things running smoothly, and even helping us with the pack-up at the end. Seriously, this kid’s enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in was off the charts – a true legend and a well-deserved MTB Direct Spirit Award winner!
Claudio Araujo, U15
This young under-15 racer at the Fox Superflow® event at Mt Cotton truly embodied the MTB Direct Spirit! Completing four runs on all three tracks is an incredible feat of perseverance and dedication at any age, let alone under 15. What’s even more impressive is Claudio’s willingness to help other young solo riders – a testament to his character. He was an absolute credit to his parents, always so polite and thoughtful, even taking the time to check in on the Rocky Trail team members at the start lines. A remarkable young rider!
Nikki Caldwell (Grandmaster 60+)
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at Stromlo Mania goes to Nikki Caldwell! This incredible racer has been with us since the very beginning, a constant presence on our rocky trails for all of 17 years. From the early days of 4X and Dual Slalom to cross-country races to the gravity enduros, she has consistently shown her passion and dedication to mountain biking and our events.
Year after year, rain or shine, she’s out there with us, embodying the very spirit of Rocky Trail. Her perseverance through tough conditions and her unwavering support for our community make her an invaluable member of our racing family. Every time we see her lining up, ready to take on the challenge, it brings a genuine smile to our faces. This award is a small yet hugely heartfelt thank you for her years of commitment, her infectious enthusiasm, and for being such an integral part of the Rocky Trail story. Thanks, Nikki xo
Kellie Cooper (Super Master 50+)
The Fox Superflow® at Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula in VIC saw an incredible display of grit and determination, particularly from our Spirit Award winner! In her very first mountain bike race ever, competing in the Super Master category, she absolutely smashed it. Her effort was truly phenomenal, showcasing an inspiring level of commitment on the trails. And to top it all off, we hear she celebrated her 50th birthday earlier this year – what an absolutely awesome way to kick off the roaring fifties, by embracing the thrill of racing! We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate her spirit and achievement.
Luke McAndrews (Expert)
It’s an absolute honour to announce the MTB Direct Spirit Award winner from the recent Ipswich Fox Superflow®! This time, the award goes to an incredible 25-year-old rider Luke McAndrew whose commitment and determination left us truly astounded.
What makes his achievement so remarkable? He’s an active soldier in the Australian Defence Force, and his race day was squeezed between two night shifts. Imagine the dedication it takes to complete all your race runs within a single hour, amidst such a demanding schedule! We were so impressed by his unwavering spirit and incredible effort. Congratulations to our deserving winner!
Tiarna Crichton (Expert)
Huge shoutout to our MTB Direct Spirit Award Winner at the Jolly Nose Fox Superflow®! Tiarna Crichton from the Newcastle Region absolutely blew our crew away with her tenacity, completing a phenomenal 11 runs in Port Macquarie. We were so impressed – “she’s been smiling all day and still at top at 3:30 for another last run!” Turns out, this dedicated rider has been following the NSW/ACT Fox Superflow® series all year, having already conquered races at Awaba in Newcastle and the 2 Rounds at the Stromlo Mania in Canberra. Jolly Nose was her third race with us this year and Tiarna just claimed the 4th podium position – a win in her category and second outright in the women’s at Jolly Nose! What an effort! We’ll see you at Mogo Mania in July?
Oliver Bradey (U17)
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Finch Hatton Superflow® goes to someone truly awesome! It was Oliver’s first ride back after an injury, and even though it was a big ask, he totally crushed it with his determination. The marshals and staff were stoked to see him enjoying the race again. This award isn’t just about getting back on the bike; it’s about the incredible positive vibes and passion Oliver brought to the trails. Huge congrats for embodying the true spirit of mountain biking!
Daniel Rogers (Vets 30+)
Friedo Ligthart (SuperMaster)
Friedo Ligthart and Daniel Rogers, two absolute legends from Victoria, brought some serious shredding and an abundance of good vibes to the Mogo Mania 2-day stage race of the Fox Superflow® on Mogo Trails. Their infectious enthusiasm and pure joy on two wheels all weekend long earned them the highly coveted MTB Direct Spirit Award. From the moment they rolled in, they were spreading high-fives and positive energy, both out on the singletrack and back at the event hub.
The weekend was packed with memorable moments for the duo, but nothing beat Friedo’s epic third-place finish, snatched by finding a crucial second on his last run down Bot Garden. Daniel absolutely smashed it to take home the overall Mogo Maniac title in the Veteran 30+ category. After all the laps and prep that went into this event, it was a seriously rewarding payoff. Friedo and Daniel perfectly summed up the pure gnar and joy of hitting the trails with your best mate, leaving everyone at Mogo Mania pumped!
Craig Collins (SuperMaster 50+)
At the Fox Superflow at Mt Joyce, one rider truly exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship, earning the MTB Direct Spirit Award. Craig Collins demonstrated profound compassion when he encountered an injured fellow competitor. Instead of continuing his own race, he immediately stopped to provide assistance.
His commitment extended beyond initial first aid; he stayed with the injured rider, ensuring their safety and comfort. In an act of truly remarkable selflessness, he even accompanying the rider all the way home, making sure they stayed safe. This extraordinary display of care and community spirit perfectly embodies the values the MTB Direct Spirit Award celebrates, proving that true victory lies not just in speed, but in kindness.
Elsie Copley (U13)
What a legend! Young Elsie Copley, an Under 13 rider, is our well-deserved winner of the MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Fox Superflow® in Toowoomba. Despite starting the weekend with some race nerves, Elsie was soon in the zone, riding alongside her dad, Robbie. But things took a serious turn when Robbie had a nasty crash, with suspected broken ribs.
Most kids would have been shaken, but not Elsie. She insisted her dad wait while she powered through her remaining runs on the more technical tracks. She just wanted to finish what she started! After her mum arrived and took Robbie to the hospital, Elsie even came back to the course to try and improve her time – placing 2nd in her category! That kind of heart and determination is what the sport is all about, and a big shout-out to Robbie for hanging in there for his superstar daughter!
Arif Susetyo (Master 40+)
A big shoutout to the MTB Direct Spirit Award winner Arif Susetyo at the Silvan Fox Superflow®! This 40-year-old rider, currently studying in Melbourne, brought incredible energy to the event. He was super proud to represent his home country Indonesia. Even though he was one of the last riders of the day, battling through a wet hailstorm, his spirits never dropped. He was always smiling, happy, and chatting with other riders after each run, making Arif a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Ethan Boulding (U17)
The MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Nerang Fox Superflow® was given to an incredible young rider from the Under 17 category, Ethan Boulding. This young racer went above and beyond to help an injured competitor during the event. This act of selflessness truly embodies the spirit of the sport, and we are so proud to see our Rocky Trail family, especially our younger riders, looking out for one another on the trails. It’s a fantastic reminder of the sportsmanship and community that makes mountain biking so special.
Alicia Southwell (Support Crew)
Fox Superflow at Woolgoolga, the real hero wasn’t dodging trees, but dodging doctor’s appointments! We’re awarding the MTB Direct Spirit Award to Alicia – the ultimate pit crew chief to three of our racers (son Connor pictured) and a super-mum who has been a traveling trauma unit this season!
Alicia spent the entire series herding her racing family (two sons and husband Shane) while treating not just scrapes and bruises, but also doing trips to and from hospitals. Seriously, the whole crew was basically held together with duct tape and Alicia’s amazing positivity! Shane even managed to injure himself before the Woolgoolga race. Despite the chaos and the constant calendar juggling, while the boys were chasing seconds Alicia was a beacon of sunshine at the event hub.
That type of determination proves that the support network is as vital as the athletes’ drive and for the Rocky Trail community, athletes and family are one. It’s high time this supporter parked the medic bag to hit the trails herself. Go on, Alicia, your trophy is an award for getting to the finish line of this Season too 🙂
ARCHIVE
MTB Direct Spirit Award WINNERS 2024
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Cooma NSW 2024
Louis Edwards, U13
The MTB Direct Spirit Award Winner from the Fox Superflow® in Cooma is U13th Rider, Louis Edwards from Canberra. He was nominated by the race marshals and starters for his outstanding riding and positive attitude at the starts and on course.
“We’re nominating Louis, rider 660 for the Spirit Award. He just rode up this big hill for the third time, when asked how he does it he simply said, ‘It’s hard but it’s worth it’.”
What a trooper. Louis was at the event with his dad Charlie who had to pedal quite hard to keep up with this young shredder.
“Wow, thank you so much for this award for Louis! He is only 10 and has been racing Rocky trail for over 2 years now, he was pretty defeated after being knocked off 3rd place on Sunday but after I told him he won the spirit award he can’t keep the smile off his face! Thanks so much for making his day, we will see you in Narooma for some awesome trails and racing!”
Parents of Louis Edwards.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – MT Buller VIC 2024
Tyla Hall, U17
Sportsmanship took center stage at the Buller Fox Superflow® with U17 racer Tyla emerging as the MTB Direct Spirit Award winner.
In a display of incredible camaraderie, Tyla didn’t hesitate to stop mid-race to assist a fellow rider who had crashed. Returning to the start line with a genuine smile, Tyla reassured the crew, “It’s all good, I’m just here to have fun. We need to look after each other out there!”
His selfless act and positive attitude perfectly embody the spirit of the Rocky Trail community.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Nerang QLD 2024
Leon Ekenaike, U15
The Nerang Fox Superflow® saw a first-time Rocky Trail participant, Leon (riding with #601 Tyrone Christensen), awarded the prestigious MTB Direct Spirit Award!
While both Leon and Tyrone were relatively new to mountain biking, their enthusiasm and positive spirit shone through. They impressed everyone with their skills, including wheelies and cutties around the event hub. Even when Tyrone faced a setback with a broken wheel on his second run (his bike being more suited to dirt jumping), Leon persevered and finished all runs, including a valiant late sprint to the top of the LAZER climb at 3:32 PM!
Beyond his own riding, Leon truly embodied the spirit of a Rocky Trail racer by assisting a group of young riders (10-12 years old) from the Sunshine Coast who got lost finding the start lines. His positivity and helpfulness throughout the day made him a standout participant.
Congratulations, Leon! You’re a true mountain bike enthusiast and a perfect example of the Rocky Trail community spirit.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Narooma NSW 2024
Sharna Scott
Sharna, a dedicated mountain biker and coach, took home the MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Fox Superflow® Narooma!
After becoming a mum and facing the challenges of raising a young family, Sharna rediscovered her passion for riding on the new Narooma trails. Despite initial race nerves, the supportive Rocky Trail community and the joy of being back on the bike helped her overcome them.
Sharna decided to embrace the “day off” spirit and focused on enjoying the ride.
Sharna’s story perfectly embodies the MTB Direct Spirit Award – a testament to the inclusivity of mountain biking and the ability to reignite the racing fire and to rediscover the thrill of riding.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Jolly Nose NSW 2024
Jack Ryan, U15
Young gun Jack Ryan (U15s) from Katoomba in the Blue Mountains took home the prestigious MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Jolly Nose Fox Superflow®.
Jack’s infectious positivity shone through the entire weekend, even with the tough, wet conditions.
He wasn’t afraid to approach the race organisers on Saturday, analysing his times and strategising for Sunday’s race. Gone are the days of the quiet junior – Jack’s enthusiasm and determination for the sport are truly inspiring!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Eastern Escarpment, brisbane QLD 2024
MTB Coaching Australia Team
The MTB Direct Spirit Award for Brisbane’s Eastern Escarpment event goes to the riders of the MTB Coaching Australia Team. The crew on the ground reported that all riders had a genuinely positive attitude out on track, assisting other riders and spreading their enthusiasm for Superflow® racing at the start lines.
We congratulated Coach Matt for the wonderful atmosphere he’s creating and for supporting his team on race day – they received the MTB Direct Gift Card and an entry discount from the Rocky Trail Team as an additional rewards and recognition for their efforts.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Red Hill MTB Park, Melbourne VIC 2024
Jensen Anderson, U13
As one of the youngest riders on course, Jensen stood out to our team because of his determination on course. At only just 10 years old, he bravely pushed his bike up the hill all day long and impressed not just our crew but fellow riders as well – of all ages! He raced together with his family and there was some healthy rivalry happening that kept the racing spirit going.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – UC Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra ACT
Tommy Cardone, GASGAS Electroflow™ Master
Straight from the big skies of Montana, USA, our MTB Direct Spirit Award goes to Tommy Cardone! This avid rider stumbled upon Rocky Trail during a work trip to Canberra and couldn’t resist the call of the trails. Talk about dedication – Tommy spent a whopping 8 hours exploring UC Stromlo Forest Park on his rental eBike on Saturday, pushing it until the very last drop of juice!
Drawn in by the infectious energy of our Rocky Trail race community, Tommy had a friendly chat with our crew, reminiscing about his favorite home-state rides. One conversation later, and this true mountain bike trooper was signed up for Sunday’s race! Tommy tackled each of the three tracks twice, proving to be a natural fit within the Rocky Trail family. What a legend – thanks for the epic weekend, Tommy!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Toowoomba QLD
Brendon Wood, Expert (19+)
A familiar face and Rocky Trail legend claimed the MTB Direct Spirit Award again this year: Brendon Wood from Tweed Heads.
A longtime racer with us from way back when he was still living in Port Macquarie, he has been infamous for tackling the ultimate challenge of clocking all 5 possible times on each Superflow® stage. He repeated this epic feat at Toowoomba, proving once more why he’s a legend. It seems the racing bug is contagious – his brother’s joined the fun too! We love seeing him bridge the XC and Enduro worlds, using the Superflow® races to train for Marathons and 24-hour events.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Mt Taylor VIC
Patrick Anderson (U13)
Huge congratulations to Patrick Anderson for taking home the MTB Direct Spirit Award at the Mt Taylor Rocky Trail Superflow this weekend! Despite the really cold conditions, Patrick showed true grit and determination throughout the event. Here’s why:
- Bounced Back Like a Champ: After taking a tough fall on the Fox track during his first run on Saturday, Patrick didn’t let it get him down. He got straight back up, all smiles, determined to “get a better time.” Talk about perseverance!
- Spreading the Stoke: Patrick wasn’t just focused on his own ride. He was all about cheering on and encouraging his fellow riders, keeping the stoke high for everyone around him.
- Never Say Quit: Even on Sunday, soaked to the bone, Patrick was still out there pushing laps at 1:30 pm with a “I Got This” attitude written all over his Stans run. That’s the spirit!
Patrick, your unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to the ride are truly inspiring. You’re a great example of the Rocky Trail and mountain bike spirit! Congratulations again!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Awaba NSW
Bryn Wegner (U19)
Big shout-out to Bryn Wegner the U19’s racer who gets the MTB Direct Spirit Award at Awaba. Bryn raced on the Sunday, which was in wet conditions and yet, the Rocky Trail crew at the starts and on course reported him as a racer simply loving life on his bike – 3 runs on the Fox Track, another 3 on the Stans and 2 on the Lazer stage! Such a legend and good on you Bryn, for keeping the stoke levels up!
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Mackay QLD
Callum Duffy (Expert)
Congratulations, Callum, winner-winner-chicken-dinner! Despite living in Sydney and having a busy university schedule, Callum made the spontaneous decision to drive up to the event after racing at Awaba near Newcastle in NSW the previous weekend. With a remarkable sense of adventure, he said that he “packed dog and girlfriend into the car” and embarked on the journey. This dedication to the sport and willingness to embrace new experiences perfectly exemplify the spirit of mountain biking, and we stoked to recognise this rider with the MTB Direct Spirit Award.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Woolgoolga NSW
Peter McAlpine (GASGAS Electroflow Master)
Congratulations, Peter! The MTB Direct Spirit Award at Woolgoolga was awarded to NSW eBike masters rider Peter. Despite a devastating injury on the STANS track the previous year, which prevented him from competing, Peter returned to the event this year with unwavering determination. Overcoming his fears and seeking redemption, Peter’s resilience and dedication to the sport were truly inspiring. A regular participant in NSW races and a Sydney resident, Peter’s commitment to mountain biking was further highlighted by his participation in The Willo event. His unwavering spirit and pursuit of excellence make him a worthy recipient of the MTB Direct Spirit Award.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Ipswich QLD
Bailey Antwis (U17)
Well done, Bailey. This legend helped out as a volunteer on the Saturday and then raced on Sunday – we’ve had so many comments from Staff and fellow Crew about how helpful and polite he was all Saturday! His race on Sunday was off the charts too. Welcome to the Rocky Trail Family, you truly deserve this Spirit Award.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – North Stromlo ACT
Nicholas Bitar (Master 40+)
What a legend! Nicholas Bitar came all the way from Alice Springs to race his first Fox Superflow® with us in Canberra! Accompanied by his best childhood mate, who is a regular at our VIC events, Nicholas embarked on a road trip from Melbourne, spreading positivity and excitement throughout the event center and on the course. His unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to the sport, running downhill and enduro gravity events back in his home town, were truly inspiring, making him a deserving recipient of the MTB Direct Spirit Award.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Mogo Trails, Batemans Bay NSW
Kate Shapely (U17)
Kate Shapley, the MTB Direct Spirit Award winner at Mogo Mania, proved to be a true force on the trails. Claiming the overall “Mogo Maniac” title, she conquered 6 stages on the brand-new Mogo trails. Kate’s inspiring performance and positive attitude made her a standout, both on and off the track. She’s currently on track to dominate the U17 category in the NSW/ACT Fox Superflow Series.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Orange NSW
Yuta Leffers (Elite)
Canberra’s Yuta Leffers not only impressed with his speed on the challenging Orange trails, but also with his positive attitude. Clocking nearly 70km and 2700m of elevation over the two-day event, Yuta’s determination was evident. His friendly demeanor and professionalism on the course earned him the prestigious MTB Direct Spirit Award, a testament to his sportsmanship and character.
MTB Direct Spirit Award – Silvan VIC
Luke Farnworth (U17)
Luke Farnworth, the MTB Direct Spirit Award winner at the Fox Superflow® in Silvan, made a remarkable debut. Despite being a first-time racer, he impressed everyone with his skills and positive attitude – and completing six race runs too! After participating in the Rocky Trail Academy on Friday, Luke tackled the challenging Silvan trails with confidence. His unique hairstyle and supportive family added to his charm. The Race Director even commented on his “excellent mullet,” a testament to his individuality.