January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Who can beat Garth?
But he is still the man everybody wants to beat at Sunday's Winner's Edge National Championships.
The season is heading for an exciting climax with three riders - Dave Padega, Mark Hattherley and Grant Goudge - all in with a chance of topping the standings.
But the battle for top spot will be a sub-plot to the real drama of the race to be national champion.
"This is the big event. It has it's own individual sponsor and it carries the most prestige. It's what we have been building up to all season," said Goudge.
And Goudge, who first started the mountain bike series when he moved to the island 14 years ago, believes there is only one winner.
"I think it would take a grizzly bear attack to stop Garth. He's such a strong lad and he has the ability to run away with it.
"We are capable of giving him a run for his money but barring mechanical problems he should win."
Thompson himself is slightly more circumspect. He's had his fair share of mechanicals this year, and he refuses to write off his competitors.
"I'm really trying to zero in on winning this race. They are not going to hand the title to me. I think there is going to be some good racing in the Open Division. I think if it is a good day for my bike it will be a good day for me," said Thompson, who agrees with Goudge's assessment that Sunday's race is the one to win.
"Everybody forgets all those races you won in November if you come out empty on nationals day."
Thompson, who has won the points series for the last three seasons in a row, said this year's nationals should be extremely competitive with Hattherley and Goudge trying to unseat Padega at the top of the standings.
"We've had five different riders win a race this year, it's been much closer than usual. Mark Hattherley, is new to the sport. He's an excellent climber and has got an excellent chance to go to the Island Games and do well.
"Dave Padega is a real good downhill rider, along with Grant Goudge. Everybody brings a different strength.
"Wayne Scott (national road race champion) just started this year and he has taken the intermediate division by storm. It's rumoured that he may race in the open class, which could be interesting."
If not, Scott will continue his intriguing battle with Paul Jacks at the lower level.
There will also be 18-20 kids competing in the junior class, with the boost in numbers a result of the successful new Tokio Youth Series.
Thompson expects every class to be competitive, with exciting riding in wet and windy conditions on the cards at the Ferry Reach course.
"There's some great trails out there. It is a beautiful course, right on the ocean, with some good climbs. Whoever brings the most fitness and the strongest riding skills on the day is probably going to win."[[In-content Ad]]
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