NEWSTEAD’S Jerry Holder will play an important role in today’s 25th Ben Lomond Descent.
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Holder will follow the riders through Ben Lomond National Park to provide first-aid to anyone that may fall foul.
‘‘I’m doing the first-aid sweep following the first lot of bike racers down,’’ Holder, 54, said.
‘‘There is not usually many injuries but you have to be ready.
‘‘It is right up in the bush and it is a pretty spectacular location up on Ben Lomond.’’
About 100 competitors will participate in the 36-kilometre mountain bike leg, 16km kayak and a 11km run from Ben Lomond through the North Esk River valley at Blessington.
Holder is a former competitor and said the weather conditions should be ideal for the top-class field.
‘‘There is a lot of variety because there is mountain biking, kayaking and running,’’ he said.
‘‘The course is in really good shape ... it was postponed after the big storm with a lot of trees down.
‘‘So we have been clearing and making sure there is no obstacles that people can’t reasonably avoid.’’
FAST FACTS
WHAT: 25th Ben Lomond Descent.
WHEN: Today, 10am start.
WHERE: Blessington Hall.
WHO: About 100 athletes.