Strong competition from two of New Zealand’s top junior XC racers kept things spicy. After the high-speed and super technical first stage, just five seconds separated the three riders. Stage two was a massive run, linking the longest track in the park, with one of the most fun trails, Elliot (and the race leader) would post the fasted equal time on this stage of 7:05 which left things very tight. Just four seconds separated the three racers heading into the final stage, a last-ditch effort saw Elliot finish second on the stage and make some time back, but it wasn’t enough and he’d have to settle for third place, just one second back from second place and six seconds off first place.
Elliot’s cousin and fellow Kona rider Malachai Smith would finish 18 seconds back, a time fast enough to earn the gold medal in the Under 17 category and fourth overall!.