Rae Morrison Wins XCE Cross Country Eliminator National Championship in Rotorua, New Zealand!

Monday, October 28, 2024

Rae Morrison claimed the UCI Cross Country Eliminator (XCE) National Championship at the Whaka 100 in Rotorua, earning the national jersey as she steps into retirement from EWS racing.

Liv Racing Collective athlete Rae Morrison took home the XCE national jersey after winning the UCI Cross Country Eliminator (XCE) National Championship, held as part of the Whaka 100 event in Rotorua, New Zealand. The eliminator race features a tight 300-meter course with man-made jumps, berms, and rollers, in a fast-paced head-to-head format.

“I practiced starts a couple of times, making sure I was in the best possible gear for acceleration. It was raining on and off, but still grippy enough to run my slick Maxxis Aspen ST tires, I also had the best bike built for the job.” Morrison rode her Pique Advanced 29 which allowed her to make the most of each sprint and sharp corner, in a race format that requires rapid bursts of power and precision.

Her preparation paid off as she managed to secure the all-important hole shot, leading the pack from the first corner. “I loved the head-to-head racing with a short, sharp one-minute sprint,” she recalled. “I got the hole shot and led from start to finish, holding off the charge behind me. It was a full-on effort.” The event’s atmosphere only added to the excitement, with spectators lining the course to cheer on the riders. “Having such a short course in the middle of the event village was great for spectators. The whole race and atmosphere were really fun.”

Having recently announced her retirement from full-time Enduro World Cup racing, Morrison will now transition into her role as a skills coach for the Liv Factory Racing team. This win highlights her versatility across different disciplines, and with some downtime ahead, she plans to enjoy social rides, hikes, and bike-packing trips.

Source:

https://www.liv-cycling.com/global/news/rae-morrison-wins-xce-cross-country-eliminator-national-championship-in-rotorua-new-zealand/29268