Venues confirmed for sizzling summer of MTB action

Cycling Australia and MTBA are pleased to announce Mt Buller, Thredbo and Bright will host events in the elite 2013 MTB National Series, with the exciting summer program highlighted by the 2013 Subaru MTB National Championships in Canberra in February, followed by the 2013 Oceania Championships in Tasmania in March. 

“Mt Buller and our neighbour Mt Stirling have some of the most amazing MTB single track in Australia, so we’re thrilled to host the opening round of the MTBA National Series,” said Katie Bowker, Events Manager at Mt Buller. 

MTBA President Russell Baker shares Bowker’s enthusiasm. 

“Mt Buller has seen very exciting racing in previous national rounds. It is a great venue for the start of the new series, and also a great location to start the new means of delivering what will become an Australia-wide national series for mountain bikers in coming years.” 

The ACT Government’s General Manager for Venues and Event Services Neale Guthrie said “Stromlo Forest Park is the natural home of MTB in Australia and we are delighted to have secured the Subaru National MTB Championships for 2013.” 

The Oceania Championships will be taken to Tasmania for the very first time, something that has delighted Hannah Sadler at Glenorchy City Council. 

“Supporters of MTB in Tasmania are sure to welcome Oceania’s best riders to Hobart for an Easter to remember next year,” said Sadler. 

The second national series event will be staged at the famed New South Wales ski-town of Thredbo, February 6-10. 

“The community of Thredbo always welcomes Australia’s best mountain bikers and we look forward to preparing our trails in anticipation of some intense competition,” said Jane Corben of South East MTB Co.

The third event — and the lead into Oceania Championships — is at Bright in Victoria, March 13-17. 

Aaron Smith President of the Alpine Cycling Club is enthused by the series coming to his venue. 

“I am thrilled that Bright has been selected to host the final leg of the MTBA National Series,” said Smith. “It has been over a decade since Bright has had the opportunity to showcase our trails and I’m sure all competitors will enjoy our environment and the racing.” 

MTBA’s Technical Director for the National Series and Subaru National Championships, Simon French, says the venues give a good mix for Australia’s emerging talent. 

“This year’s venues provide us with an excellent canvass for developing truly world-class racing opportunities,” said French. 

“From the iconic alpine trails of Mount Buller to the perpetual riders’ favourite, Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park, I believe we are offering Australia’s best racing venues this season. I look forward to working with the venue hosts towards delivering an incredible season of racing.” 

More info will soon be available via www.mtba.asn.au

Dates/Venues