A BRAND new multisport event will give thrill seekers a unique perspective of Launceston's most famous tourist attraction.
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The inaugural Cataract Challenge is taking place on Sunday, October 27, but a sneak peak of the adrenalin-inducing rope element was on offer yesterday and saw potential competitors finding some innovative ways of crossing the river.
A flying fox was set up spanning the Gorge with an alternative crossing provided by the outside of Kings Bridge.
The rope disciplines form one-fifth of the pentathlon-style event which was the brainchild of the late Bob McMahon, and also incorporates mountainbiking, road cycling, kayaking and running through and around the iconic Tasmanian tourist destination.
Organised by adventure tourism operator Ian Ferrier and event manager Cade Smith, it is hoped the challenge will become an annual event at the end of October, fulfilling McMahon's vision to transform Launceston into the adventure capital of Australia.
Ferrier said there had already been plenty of enthusiasm for the event.
``Multisport is really growing in Tasmania and an event like this so close to a major city brings multi-sport to the people,'' he said.
``The prize money will attract some top-end multisport competitors but we also intended that it should be achievable by anyone who just wants to have a go at one, two or however many of the legs.
``We're certainly expecting a lot of people who maybe just want to do the ropes for fun.''
Deputy Mayor Jeremy Ball has described the concept as ``the event the Gorge has been waiting for''.
?FACT FILE
WHAT: Launceston Eye Institute Cataract Challenge multisport race.
WHERE: Cataract Gorge.
WHEN: Sunday, October 27.
LEGS: Rope element (including flying fox and tyrolean traverse off Zigzag Track and Kings Bridge); 30km road cycle (to Westbury Rd and Pateena Road); 20km mountain bike (through Trevallyn Reserve); 8km kayak (Cataract Gorge and North Esk); 8km run (via Duck Reach and Kings Bridge).