Mud, Mayhem and Momentum: Max’s Brisbane Double Header Recap

Max Teague Fights Hard for Double Podium at Mt Crosby XCO National Series

It was a tough but rewarding weekend for Mackay’s own Max Teague, who lined up in AusCycling’s XCO National Series – Round 1 & 2 at Mt Crosby on the 22nd and 23rd of November. Hot, humid weather and a technical, hilly course made it a challenging opener to the national season.

The U15s started just behind the U17 field, which led to chaos almost immediately. On the first steep hill, several riders in the U17 front group slipped out, causing a pile-up that rippled through the bunch. Max was caught behind it and had to shoulder his bike and cyclocross-run up the opening climbs to stay in the race.

Once he was back on the bike, Max settled into a rhythm and chipped away at the field. Saturday’s race came down to a close sprint, where Max timed his final effort well and crossed the line for a strong 2nd place.

Heavy thunderstorms early Sunday morning changed everything. The climbs became greasy, the descents were rutted and slippery, and the humidity stayed high. Max had a strong start, but the combined heat and mud made it a physically draining race. He dug in and held on for 3rd place, rounding out a consistent opening weekend.

Max now shifts his focus to Rounds 3 & 4 in Bendigo in three weeks’ time. With confidence from this weekend — and experience gained from dealing with heat, mud, and pile-ups — he’ll be lining up ready to go again.