PLANNING for this weekend’s Newton’s Nation on Mount Panorama has been likened to a marathon rather than a sprint by event co-ordinator James Hopkin.
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Dozens of the world’s best skateboarders have descended on Bathurst for the opening round of the 2018 International Downhill Federation World Cup on the world-famous track.
They include Brazilian world champion Thiago Lessa who got his first look at the Mount on Friday.
But the event almost didn’t go ahead after senior staff from Bathurst Regional Council recommended late last year that access to the Mount be denied, citing a lack of respect shown to council workers during the 2017 event.
Councillors overturned that decision and Mr Hopkin, president of the Australian Skateboard Racing Association, said both parties had been working hard to mend the strained relationship and he was confident council now wanted the event here each year.
“It was never that they really didn’t want us – rather council was saying that this is a professional circuit so if we wanted to use it we would be held to a professional standard, and that is fair,” Mr Hopkin said.
“We respect the Mountain and want to come back every year so every year it gets a little better.
“We learnt from the lessons of last year and council have shown they want us here and they want the opportunity to host different events on the Mount.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint. We are creating something that will be around for the next 40 or 50 years, not just next year.”
Mr Hopkin said the competitors loved the opportunity to race on Mount Panorama.
“Not many race tracks around the world are built on a mountain so they don’t get to race on professional race circuits very often,” he said.
“The condition of this road is perfect rather than skating around hazards and potholes.”
World champion Lessa, who used Friday’s practice session to get to know the 1.3km circuit from the top of the Mount down to Conrod Straight, said the circuit was “very fast and very good”.
“This is my first time here but I have been watching all the time,” he said. “The track is fast and challenging because going into the corners you feel kind of afraid because you are going so fast.”
Lessa said a clear mind would be the key to success over the weekend.
“The most important thing in racing is don’t be afraid, don’t be excited, don’t be anything,” he said.
“You need to be clear, know what you have to do and just do it.”
Another Brazilian, Pepe La Porte, also saw the track for the first time on Friday.
“I have done five [practice] runs so far and it is the best track I have ever skated,” he said.
“We are very privileged to be here and to have the opportunity to race on this amazing track with riders from all over the world.”
Newton’s Nation qualifying sessions will be held in the longboard and luge events on Saturday with finals to be run on Sunday.
The public is welcome to watch from the top of the Mount (McPhillamy Park).
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