ORGANISERS of May’s national marathon mountain bike championships in Derby are stressing the event is geared as much towards novice as elite riders.
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The two-day event will use the network of trails around the former mining community making it just as appealing to the army of ‘‘weekend’’ riders that have been enjoying them since their opening earlier this month.
Launceston’s former national marathon champion Ben Mather, whose annual Blue Dragon event also uses trails through the North-East, is helping set up this year’s championships and wants his fellow Tasmanian riders to play a part.
‘‘The idea is to create an event that entices all mountain bike riders to have a go,’’ said Mather, who won the 2010 championships in Avoca, Victoria.
‘‘It’s really important for the local community and the mountain bike club that we get a high participation level.
‘‘This is our opportunity to show the rest of Australia that Derby and Tasmania as a whole is a serious destination for riders to visit, ride and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
‘‘The new trails are just stunning and at times you could be forgiven for thinking you’re deep within the forest of the iconic Overland Track.’’
Last week Mather introduced Mike Blewitt to the trails. The co-founder of MarathonMTB.com and former world marathon champs competitor liked the idea of broadening the event’s participation base.
‘‘Ben has had a lot of input into the logistics of the race, and is hoping to make it a great experience for elites and age group riders as well,’’ Blewitt said.
‘‘While the championship event often has a feeling that non-elite shouldn’t attend, Ben is hoping instead to make it a weekend of racing, taking away the pressure of elite racers needing to pass other riders, and making sure all racers can enjoy the stunning trails.’’
Blewitt said the nationwide media attention lavished on the Derby trails ‘‘is completely justified’’ and believes they can rejuvenate the community.
‘‘Mountain biking is going to be the saviour of Derby.
‘‘Since the official opening people have started to venture out to Derby.’’
Mountain Bike Australia has announced that Derby will host the championships for both 2015 and 2016 and Blewitt believes having the second year locked in will allow for better long-term planning.
The course is going to be on a lap of about 30 kilometres around Cascade Dam, featuring plenty of single track, with various distances available for all levels of ability.
The event schedule is being finalised, but it is proposed that age group races will take place on the morning of May 16, with the elite men and women racing the following morning.
FACTFILE
WHAT: Australian cross-country marathon mountain bike championships
WHERE: Derby
WHEN: May 16-17
DETAILS: www.mtba.asn.au