Cycling Australia (CA) say they are committed to creating a “legacy” for mountain biking in Australia with the announcement of a re-vamped Subaru Australian Mountain Bike Season for 2014.
In a statement released on Monday, officials said the season, which includes the return of the Real Insurance XCM series, has been designed to maximise opportunities for both competitive and recreational riders alike, across all major mountain bike disciplines.
“The process CA implemented to select venues reflects the three pillars of CA’s mountain bike program: community engagement, support of local mountain bike organisations and races that serve as destinations for riders and their families.” said CA’s recently appointed Technical Director of Mountain Biking, Tim Sheedy.
Although CA is yet to articulate the specific venues and dates, it did highlight the fact that the season will act as a “roadshow”, which will “visit a host of Australia’s premier mountain bike venues, established and new”. With Australia set to host the 2017 World Mountain Bike Championships, as well as a series of World Cup events prior, Australian mountain bikers will have the opportunity to compete across all the World Championship formats, including: Cross Country Eliminator, Cross Country Olympic, Downhill and Marathon.
The 2014 Subaru Australian Mountain Bike Season will begin in Adelaide in mid-January, with events acting as a curtain raiser to the World Tour Santos Tour Down Under which gets underway on January 19.
The dates and venues so far announced for XCM races in 2014 include the following:
- 21-23rd February (in conjunction with XCO, XCE, DHI)
- 6-9th March (in conjunction with XCO Champs)
- 30th March (Venue TBD)
- 6th April (Mt Joyce, QLD)
- 13th April (Wombat 100, Woodend, Victoria)
- 25-27th April (Cairns, QLD)
CA hopes that the announcement will serve as a signal of the real commitment the organisation is making to the future of mountain biking in Australia. With the off-road disciplines providing the greatest opportunity for mass-participation events and cycling uptake, many – including CA – are hoping they can deliver a prosperous template for the years to come.
“Big things are planned over the next four years with a continuing unification of the sport, more national level events, utilising more partnerships within the mountain biking community and stretching Australia wide,” said Steve Peterson, the General Manager of Events at CA. “We have worked hard not only to build a bumper 2014 season but to also look beyond, ensuring that we are developing a lasting, sustainable model that sees mountain bike thrive.”
Marathon Racing: Series business
Jenny Fay (Rockstar Racing) crosses the line at St Albans as the winner of the 2012 Convict 100, and strengthens her lead in the Real Insurance XCM Series. Photo: Richie Tyler
The announcement will be a relief for many of Australia’s elite endurance mountain-bikers who had been left miffed by the sudden disappearance of a seemingly cohesive Real Insurance XCM series earlier this year, which had worked hard to generate media exposure for the sport. In spite of indications that the series would return at some point this year, it’s absence has been keenly felt.
Although exact details of what form the series will take are yet to be announced, MarathonMTB.com will provide details as soon as possible. Its return will also be a boon for the thousands of recreational riders who are primarily responsible for the incredible atmosphere and media coverage these events are able to generate.
Indeed, CA’s efforts are aimed at consolidating “the strengths of Australian mountain biking at its best: televised races, Olympic prestige, prize money, incredible locations, [and] adventure.”
“This leaves a legacy for the whole mountain biking community that exists year round.” said Sheedy. “As a peak body, Cycling Australia’s remit is to run great events but also to grow each discipline that it administers. The best way to do this is to introduce Australian riders to new and exciting courses in their own backyards.”