In less than two weeks, Australia’s premier Marathon Series, the Real Insurance XCM Series, will kick off in the nation’s capital. Suitably, the Capital Punishment Marathon Mountain Bike race traverses across the ACT – taking in the best parts of Kowen Forest, Majura Pines, Black Mountain and Mt Stromlo. This is a classic point to point route, which may make for more demanding planning, but creates a true adventure for everyone who takes part.
Finishing at Mt Stromlo, the Capital Punishment Marathon has some of the best post race food options available. What other race in Australia offers freshly made wood fired pizza at the finish line? Moving into its third year, the race has continued to adapt to riders demands, with start waves for Elites, feed zones, ample facilities at start and finish, and clear communication. There is also a great after party at the Crowne Plaza.
Scenes from the 2011 edition of the Capital Punishment
As a stand alone race, the Capital Punishment is a useful win for an Elite rider. Canberra hosts a high percentage of Australia’s Elite Marathon and XC talent. These guys and girls know these trails. And they know how to ride them fast. Locals like Dylan Cooper and Shaun Lewis would be hot favourites. But should Andy Blair choose to turn up, his Marathon prowess could also add to the mix. The Elite field is deepening every year, and March 17th May bring a new contender to the fore.
2011 was the inaugural year for the Real Insurance XCM Series, tying together many great Marathon Mountain Bike races into one Series. The point score has something for everybody, and you may pit yourself against your colleagues, or develop a sporting rivalry with someone you may not even know yet. As the first race of the 2012 Series, Capital Punishment will be a litmus test of sorts, to see where people stand. The full series calendar is as follows:
17th March: Capital Punishment
22nd April: Wombat 100
5th May: Convict 100
30th June: Stevens Bikes Husky 100ker
1st September: Wollombi Wild Ride
11th November: Briars Highland Fling
You might not be able to make it to all of them, but look at your social calendar and squeeze these dates in where you can.
Justin Maddog Morris - sniffing out a woodfired pizza