Racers have started to arrive in Central Australia for the five day, seven stage Ingkerreke Commercial Mountain Bike Enduro (ICME) stage race. With the caliber of riders attracted to the race for 2013, the 200 strong field is set to heat up the mountain bike trails of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory on Monday 13 through to Friday 17 May, 2013.
The ICME is running for it’s sixth year, and is a great reason to visit Central Australia. The local mountain bike club are passionate about their trails, and the ability to race in short sleeves under blue skies in mid May is welcomed by those from cooler climates. The men’s field has gained strength in 2013. 2011 and 2012 winner Andrew Blair is returning to defend his title, and is taking Swell-Specialized team mate Shaun Lewis along. These two have their team dynamic down to an art form – and one will happily race for the others victory, depending on the in race scenario. The recent Convict 100 is testament to that.
Andy Blair gives Alice Springs his ‘thumbs up’ of approval.
Ben Mather is also racing, as is Kyle Ward and Ben Hogarth. Long time ICME fan Nick Both won’t be racing this year. The first day may provide the key gaps in the field, as it has done in previous years. Firstly with the technical approach to the velodrome, and then the hill climb at night. But in Alice Springs, it is as much about racing hard as it is about managing flat tyres, night racing, and time trialling. A complete skill set is required.
Jenny Fay (Swell-Specialized) is returning to Alice Springs, and along with newly crowned Australian XCM Champion Jenni King (Target Trek), Rowena Fry, Nienke Oostra (Subaru-MarathonMTB) and Jess Harries – the women’s elite field is not out done by the mens.
Riders line up at the Chifley for the start of the 2012 ICME
Over the five days of racing, we will have daily reports online from Niene Oostra. You can also follow us on twitter (use the hashtag #ICME) and Facebook for extra insights into the race.