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Joe Nation // NZMTBR

Kiwi Enduro Racer | Pole Enduro Team

By Blackaptur Photography

September 19^th, 2019

{Article originally appeared on www.nzmountainbiker.com and some copy maybe somewhat out of date}

click on any of the pictures below to see the article!

NZ Mountain Biker Print Issue #96 got Joe in it on a nice full double page

At the End of April, Joe who had just off the back of a 13th Placing AT EWS Derby, Tasmania - got injured at home on local trails.

As he got back up to speed and was back training on his local trails at the Christchurch Adventure Park, we caught up with him for a few photos and some questions.

"The crash happened on local trail that I'd ridden plenty of times, I was lacking a bit of concentration late in the day which forced an error. I took a big fall and landed in my arm and head, luckily my head was fine but my arm was in a bad way. I fractured and displaced my radial head and dislocated my ulnar."

so far the recovery has been ahead of schedule, with progress every day, defintely made easier with world class, chairlift accessible trails right on his doorstep!

"The recovery has been a learning curve, but a lot more hands on than expected. There's plenty to do in order to speed up the recovery time and keep strength and fitness, and I've been keeping myself busy. After 8 weeks I'm able to ride down most local tracks which is ahead of schedule."

All going to plan, Joe aims to be back in time for EWS Whistler, a race he's placed inside the top 10 before...

"Yeah I've placed 9th in Whistler in the past, realistically though, as it's my first race back I'm not expecting to be peaking there. Competing will help me find the race pace I had at the start of the season."

In december '18 it was released that joe had signed with the Pole enduro team for the 2019 EWS season. having previously done the past season as a privateer, this was his first pro contract!

"Stoked to be on the Pole team! The bikes amazing and the increased support from what I’ve previously had has allowed me to put more time into improving. They’ve been a great support throughout my injury too."

Schleyble

we enter the lava flow, rock slab goodness of Yoda, a double black

Look at that grin, It's good to be back

As with any recovery, its not an easy road, a few people have been key to helping joe back into race shape:

" I've had great recovery advice from Jamie Scott and his partner Anastasia who specialize in nutrition. Also, my coach Stephen Rickerby whose kept me busy and fit. Finally, Pole Bicycles for sticking behind me throughout the injury."

towards the end of the afternoon, we headed down the adventure parks blue jump trail for some fun. enjoy

Footnotes

Joe Nation, Riding a POLE Stamina 180, I was shooting on a Nikon D750 w/ 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens on behalf of NZ Mountain Biker Magazine. I would also like to thank Joe for his patience!

Button Label

FootNotes

Joe Nation, Riding a POLE Stamina 180, I was shooting on a Nikon D750 w/ 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens on behalf of NZ Mountain Biker Magazine. I would also like to thank Joe for his patience!