Back to the roots …
… and aiming high – that’s the motto of the legendary MTB stage race in Australia, which will be held for the 17th time this year. After ten days of “Outback pure“, the participants will finish their race for the first time on the “Grassy Hill” in Cooktown.
Even further into the Outback, even more nature and far less civilisation – that’s on the cards for the 17th Crocodile Trophy. Therefore, starting on 18th and running until 27th October, numerous new challenges await the participants of the MTB stage race in Queensland. The highlight will definitely be the new track arrangements: Starting at the infamous “Lagoon” in
Cairns, the race will head towards the Grassy Hill in Cooktown. The historic township in Far North Queensland has already been hosting 13 stages for the Crocodile Trophy in recent years, however, will receive its premiere as the final race destination in 2011.
Between the tropical holiday resort and the picturesque finish line at the foot of a lighthouse are not only ten race stages and 1,200 kilometres of heat, sand and physical exertion. But also the deliberate restriction of civilisation’s conveniences will put the endurance of racing athletes to the test.
“We stay overnight in little villages only twice, for all other stages we set up camp in the bush, rainforest, on rivers or lakes”, says race organiser Gerhard Schönbacher.
Apart from the new race course with maximum “outback experience” also the competition itself promises to be thrilling: another clash of the first three elite finishers from 2009 and 2010 is very likely.
The Belgian Mike Mulkes (third in each year) has already confirmed his participation. The twice worsted Olympic Champion Bart Brentjens (NED) is even brining along reinforcements with his Milka Trek team mate Jeroen Boelen and said, “Slowly, but surely, it’s time for a new Croc Champion.”
Twice-triumphant Urs Huber is on board as well and the Swiss rider is toying with the idea of a triple victory.
Independently from these and all further favourites, however, it’s already been set that the 17th Crocodile Trophy will have a more international field than ever. Apart from numerous Europeans and Australians, riders from countries like South Korea, Mexico, the US and South Africa have already signed up as well.
The stage plan 2011
Stage 1: Cairns Lake Tinaroo 98 km / 1800 hm
Stage 2: Lake Tinaroo Koombooloomba 127 km / 1500 hm
Stage 3 :Koombooloomba Gunnawarra 122 km / 1300 hm
Stage 4: Gunnawarra Irvinebank 85 km / 1200 hm
Stage 5: Irvinebank Mt.Mulligan 121 km / 1800 hm
Stage 6: Mt. Mulligan Mt. Mulgrave 162 km / 2000 hm
Stage 7: Mt. Mulgrave Laura 151 km / 1100 hm
Stage 8: Laura Kalpowar 128 km / 1000 hm
Stage 9: Kalpowar Munburra 130 km / 1200 hm
Stage 10: Munburra Cooktown 99 km / 900 hm
For more information including the race track map, please visit http://crocodile-trophy.com/