Hard-Fought Results for Australasian Contingent at Round 8 of GNCC

Round eight of the 2025 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series at the Parts Unlimited Mason-Dixon GNCC in Pennsylvania served up a demanding course after early rain left the track rough and rutted by Sunday afternoon.

The event yielded hard-earned results for the Australasian riders across the premier XC1, XC2, and WXC categories, including two podium finishes and another impressive top-five finish.

In XC1 Open Pro, Ben Kelley clawed his way from seventh on the opening lap to take his fifth class win of the season and finish second overall on the day. Kelley held off a late charge from Steward Baylor, who finished second in XC1 and third overall after battling forward from fifth. Rounding out the XC1 podium was Jordan Ashburn, who charged through from eighth to secure third in class and sixth overall.

Aussie veteran Josh Strang put in a brave effort despite battling illness. Strang was coming off a rough week with his family struck down by a stomach virus, and by the halfway mark of the race, it had clearly caught up with him. “I don’t quit at the gas stop, and I had zero in the tank after gas,” he admitted. “It wasn’t really an excuse.” While not a standout result, Strang demonstrated trademark resilience and remains a rider to watch as the season progresses.

The XC2 250 Pro class saw Grant Davis make it two wins in a row, emerging from the second row to not only take the class win but also claim the overall victory for the round, his second of the season. Australian young gun Angus Riordan continued to impress with a strong ride to second in class and fourth overall, locking in another solid result in what’s been a breakout year. Riordan held off Cody Barnes, who rounded out the XC2 podium in third and finished fifth overall.

In the WXC (Women’s Pro) division, Korie Steede led from the holeshot to the chequered flag, taking the WXC win and finishing second overall in the morning race. Kiwi Rachael Archer pushed hard all race, but fell victim to a few crucial mistakes. “I felt good, the track was good, the bike was good. I just made too many mistakes. I don’t know how many times I passed for the lead only to fall in the next corner,” said Archer rider, who crossed the line just five seconds behind Steede for second in class and third overall. Archer remains a key championship contender, having already notched multiple wins this season.

Australian teenager Danielle McDonald made it back-to-back podiums with a determined ride to third in the WXC class. “Extremely happy to be on the box once again,” McDonald said. “Definitely starting to feel more at ease with these muddy conditions. Fun battles with the leaders swapping positions all race!” The Yamaha-mounted rider is steadily building experience and confidence on the demanding GNCC terrain.

Fellow Aussie Tayla Jones was unfortunately absent from the event after sustaining an injury at the previous round.

As the series heads into a short break before the iconic Snowshoe round later in June.

*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2025 National Champion.