Mountain Biking: Northcott NZ's best hope

Mike Northcott does it the hard way. He works a 40-hour week as an apprentice plumber and has to train after work.

Northcott (29) is New Zealand's medal hope in the men's cross-country at his sixth Oceania championships in Dunedin today.

"It takes its toll when you have to train after work and compete against riders who are full-time professionals," Northcott said.

"But I have an understanding boss who lets me take time off work."

The Tokoroa mountain biker first competed in the national series in 1996 and made his debut for New Zealand at the Oceania championships in 2001.

He knows it will be a tough race against the elite Australians on the Forrester Park-Bethunes Gully course today.

It is a formidable Australian challenge, with Lachlan Norris and Dean McConnell expected to step on to the podium. They have a dark horse in Andrew Blair, who finished third at the Australian championships.

"The Aussies are typically a step above us Kiwis in cross-country," Northcott said. "I will be happy with a top-three spot. Winning would be the ultimate."

Northcott's best result at an Oceania championships was fourth in Rotorua in 2008. He wants the elusive medal today.

His best international performance was his eighth placing at the Commonwealth Games at Melbourne in 2006.

Northcott intends to have a short rest after the Oceania championships and will then build up for the world championships in Canada.

"I will have a six-week block of racing before the world championships," he said.

National champion Nic Leary (Rotorua) is New Zealand's best prospect in the women's race.

But she will have stiff opposition from Australians Rowena Fry, Heather Logie, Rebecca Henderson and Therese Rhodes.

The elite cross-country races start at Forrester Park at 2pm today.

• MIKE NORTHCOTT
Cross-country king

Age: 29
Home town: Tokoroa
Occupation: Apprentice plumber
NZ titles: Six
Best performance: Eighth at 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne.