The Royal Bathurst Show Wood Chop is one of the longest running events at the show. While the categories and classes may change throughout the years, the simple yet punishing task of wood chopping tests the strongest skills and the fastest entrants every year.
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This year will feature some of the fiercest competitors including past and present champions Glenn Gillam, Mitch Argent, Kody Steers and current Stihl Timber Sports Champion of Champions Laurence O'Toole Jr, as the Royal Bathurst Show is set to host both state and national championships across the weekend.
Saturday will see the 300mm Australian Standing Block Elimination Championship not only offers glory for the winner, but some very handy prize money as well with $2500 up for grabs for the champion. The match play style event pits axeman one on one in elimination heats until the final three go head to head in the final race. Other events on Saturday include the 300mm Underhand Handicap, 275mm Standing Block Handicap, 250mm Standing Block Novice Handicap, 275mm Underhand Handicap and Double-Hand Sawing Handicap.
On Sunday, the 300mm Underhand State Championship will be held showcasing the best NSW has to offer in a single straight out race, with first past the post taking the glory. The 250mm Standing Block Handicap, 275mm Underhand Handicap and 275mm Junior Handicap will also be held, capping off a strong wood chop event.
Head Steward, Chris Smith, said that despite the impact of drought in regional areas impacting on sponsors and competitors, wood chopping is still a vibrant and growing sport. "It's the oldest organised sport in Australia and a lot of people like it for the sheer brute force and power," he said. "It can be expensive to organise but it's a great competition to watch and the crowds love the fast paced action".
