Graeme Simpson: Carbon fibre - a recipe for success

The Cyclezone Winter MTB series starts on Sunday. Photo/Ezra Newrick/Nduro Events

There's been a lot of carbon fibre involved in Kiwi sporting victories and challenges this winter.

Not so much for the All Blacks, but based on the first test against the British and Irish Lions maybe they eat it with their Weet-Bix.

Team New Zealand foiled their way to a dominant victory in the America's Cup on a carbon fibre boat, of course. Oracle's carbon fibre boat was also built in New Zealand.

The margins favoured the New Zealanders' innovative rig and cyclors. Both boats looked spectacular rising above the Great Sound in Bermuda.

While the America's Cup was clicking into high gear a few weeks ago, two more Kiwis were climbing the Everest of their own sport with Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley (and German Timo Bernhard) piloting a Porsche 919 to a stunning, come-from-behind win at the Le Mans 24 hours in France.

Cutting edge, hybrid technology sheathed in carbon fibre and a reminder of 1966. That was the year Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon shared the winning Ford GT40 with another New Zealand motorsport legend, Denny Hulme alongside American Ken Miles. They bred them tough back then with only two drivers allowed.

McLaren was a true pioneer and the team he left behind when he tragically died testing one of his Can-Am sports cars at Goodwood in 1970 continued that innovative spirit. They revolutionised Formula One when they introduced the MP4/1 in 1981. It was the first F1 car built in ... carbon fibre.

The triple crown of motorsport is to win the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500. Only Graham Hill has achieved this as a driver.

What seems to be forgotten is that only one manufacturer has done it - McLaren.

At this year's Indy, Fernando Alonso drove a McLaren. He's won Monaco and this was talked up as a second step towards the triple crown. He was unsuccessful.

But the race will be remembered more for Japanese driver, Takuma Sato's heroics to win and one of the most extraordinary racecar crashes of all time.

Scott Dixon's barrel roll left his car totally demolished. The laconic and laidback Kiwi walked away - carbon fibre, again.

This material has made a very big impact in mountain biking, too. Bike frames are lighter without sacrificing strength. The Roam carbon wheels on my Zerode Taniwha feel stiffer.

I'm not sure I actually go any faster. But it feels like it.

The Rotorua Mountain Bike Club's Wednesday night rides are on from 6.30pm at the Waipa carpark - social, short lap, cross country racing. The course changes every four weeks. The first week is a social lap to learn the course, the next two weeks are timed races and the fourth week is a handicapped race with the fastest riders starting at the back of the pack. It's $2 to enter with a complimentary sausage sizzle at the finish line. Check out the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club on Facebook for updates on everything they're doing this year.

Race 1 of the Cyclezone Nduro Winter MTB Series is on tomorrow from the Waipa carpark. You can still enter - see the website for details: wintermtb.co.nz