News has come from Cycling Australia that the rebooted Real Insurance XCM Series has a home for round two. Australia’s peak cycling body has been working hard to get the five race series into great locations for mountain bikers and their supporters alike. Although it used a different selection of events in 2011 and 2012, the Real Insurance XCM Series showcased the high level of racing Australia’s XCM racers can achieve, when there is a coherent series with a point score, good exposure and great prize money. The series was lacking in 2013, and although most big marathon events attracted good fields, it wasn’t a ‘sure thing’ like an XCM Series round was. Alas, the delay in confirming locations have added to the suspicion of some riders, both at the elite and participation level, as to whether all the rounds can deliver what is expected for association with the Real Insurance XCM Series from years past.
It’s back! The Real Insurance XCM Series will return in 2014 – but will the riders?
Eurobodalla is set to become a magnet for mountain bike enthusiasts following an agreement between the Eurobodalla Shire Council and Cycling Australia to bring national level mountain bike events to the south coast of NSW. This event opens the way for the Eurobodalla region to host other national events, including the Marathon Championships, into the future.
“This is fantastic news for Eurobodalla,” said Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil Burnside. “Each event is expected to deliver an economic boost to the region of up to $900,000 with up to 3,000 riders and supporters coming to the region. This will help tourism and other businesses towards the end of the traditional shoulder period and lessen their reliance on peak season.”
Of course, these numbers are dependant on promotion, but are realistic if the race grows as other popular marathons have in Australia, especially for places within a few hours of both Sydney and Canberra.
Eurobodalla has been collaborating with Cycling Australia and local businesses to make this opportunity a reality. “Council has entered into a partnership with Cycling Australia to secure these events.” said Cr Burnside.
“The Eurobodalla region is an area targeted to establish an iconic XCM event on Mountain Bike Australia’s national calendar of MTB events,” said Cycling Australia’s MTB Technical Director Tim Sheedy. “As a result after a process to evaluate the local terrain, trail networks and community support we are thrilled to realise a partnership with Eurobodalla which in our view will cement the region as a destination for MTB enthusiasts, year round punctuated by the most significant XCM MTB events on the national calendar.”
The President of Mountain Bike Australia, Mr Russ Baker stated, “The XCM format is one that the MTB community has genuinely embraced and developing the XCM national championships in parallel with the Real Insurance XCM Series presents another excellent opportunity to help grow the sport.
“Marathons attract large numbers of riders and their families, and the Eurobodalla region has much to offer these riders – not only great mountain biking – which makes a weekend on the coast very attractive to them.” said Baker, who commended Eurobodalla for their commitment to the sport, adding, “We look forward to working with Eurobodalla after the 2014 round to progress to higher level events in the region.”
The start and finish for the race will be at Mogo Zoo which provides easy access to some of the best Mountain Bike Terrain in Australia and an entertainment rich location for non-riding family and friends. Local resident, MTB enthusiast and event partner Paul Morgan of Bateman’s Bay Cycles, says “The reputation of Eurobodalla amongst mountain bikers as a great place to ride and race. The beautiful bush tracks are truly regarded as world class.”
The events are not just for elite riders – cycling is one of the few sports in the world where ordinary, weekend riders can line up against current and potential Olympians.
Deputy Mayor Burnside added “Building the area’s reputation for mountain biking will encourage the enthusiastic mountain bike communities in Canberra and Sydney to visit the coast after the events, in winter as well as in summer.”