THE FINAL FLING – RACE AND FUNDRAISING RESULTS, THANKS AND FAREWELL

Editor 16.11.2017

“I have no idea what I will do in November now. It’s been a memorable 13 Flings. Well done everyone
who was part of it. We have all shared a bit of Australian mountain bike history.” Andy Blair, Elite MTB
rider and 13 time Flinger.

Across this past weekend the beautiful town of Bundanoon in New South Wales Southern Highlands
turned on spectacular riding weather to welcome over 1200 riders to the Final Fling – the iconic
Highland Fling mountain bike marathon that for 13 years captured the hearts of mountain bikers to
become one of Australia’s longest running and most loved mountain bike events.
The weekend was also a major fundraiser for Save the Children Australia, with race entries, personal
fundraising, auctions and fun activities on both days, all contributing to the tally, which on wrap-up of
the event is looking to be over $60,000!

The Final Fling had a true mountain bike festival feel with the event HQ being set up at Ferndale Oval
across the entire weekend with a host of activities on Saturday, including Kid’s Skills Clinics and the
Kid’s Fling (with over 120 kids this year), as well as the return of the original weekend 1km sprint race,
the Bundy Clock Challenge – which ended up being decided with a track stand after a tied 2 minute
fastest 1km time between veteran elite rider Andy Blair and young-gun Harry Watson.

Saturday also saw Bundanoon host its final Rolloff World Championship. With a new course, and some
exceptional trash talk, the battle was better than ever, and for the first time in race history almost saw
a female, Kellie Finlay take the rainbow jersey. The final Final however saw Trent Moore crowned
Rolloff World Champion by less than a metre.

At dawn on Sunday, for one final time, riders were welcomed by the traditional Highland Fling bagpipes
before setting off to race their chosen distance: The Some Fling (23km), Half Fling (55km) or Full Fling
(110km).

Whilst the Final Fling was a fundraiser for Save the Children this year, the racing between the elites was
still fast and hard, with 2016 winner Brendan Johnston claiming his 4 th Fling title, ahead of 13-time
Flinger Andy Blair, and QLD rider Michael England. It was also great to welcome back Meaghan Stanton,
who took the women’s Full Fling title over Brooke Darlington and Bre Vine.

The team at Wild Horizons would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part
of the Highland Fling journey across its 13 editions…but now it’s time to split!

KEY RACE RESULTS IN THE 2016 HIGHLAND FLING:

Some Fling Men
Dylan George (1:14:58)
Lucas Bendt (1:07:41)
Jordan Riddle (1:09:23)

Some Fling Women
Verity Evans (1:19:11)
Maizy Evans (1:26:38)
Lucy Cavanough Quince (1:37:55)

Half Fling Men
Luke Brame (2:12:03)
Matthew Dinham (2:12:29)
Craig Gordon (2:13:12)

Half Fling Women
Lucy Mackie (2:44:28)
Allie Blackwell (2:52:35)
Sue Thompson (2:55:48)

Full Fling Men
Brendan Johnston (4:29:50)
Andy Blair (4:34:50)
Michael England (4:44:54)

Full Fling Women
Meaghan Stanton (6:03:37)

Brooke Darlington (6:21:46)
Bre Vine (6:23:51)

Full race and category results are available here.