There are a few ways you might spot that there are mountain bikers in town for a stage race. Bananas sell out at the supermarket. There’s a lot of window shopping at the local Thai restaurants. And there are lots more people riding around with shopping bags…
Alice Springs is being taken over by mountain bikers as it hosts the Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro, 19-23 May 2014.
Only 22% of riders in the event are from the Northern Territory with competitors arriving from Victoria (representing 34% of competitors), Western Australia (20%), New South Wales (8%), Queensland (7%), and Western Australia and the ACT, both with 2%.
One of the first to arrive is Jessica Douglas, Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro female winner 2011, 3 x World 24 Hour Solo MTB Champion and founder of MTBSkills.
Other event competitors will be flying in over the next few days, with the bulk of arrivals being on Saturday. This includes other race favourites in the women’s category such as Jo Bennett, Imogen Smith and Melanie Webb.
In the men’s category, keep your eyes on top seeds Ben Mather (2009 winner), James Downing and Ryan Standish, a local Alice Springs talent. Paris Basson (Magellan) is likely to make an impact as well.
Other competitors include several who have competed in every Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro since it commenced in 2008, such as 58 year old Paul Darvodelsky from Alice Springs who says he “wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
There are also many first timers in the event such as David Healey from Melbourne and Anthony Kelly from Paraparap Victoria who have never competed in a cycling competition or done long distances on a mountain bike before. The 82km Stage 6 on Thursday 22 May will be a key challenge for them.
The last time Grant Palmer was in Alice Springs he was on his honeymoon. He’s returning to do his first stage race and will be bringing his wife and children along too.
The beauty of this event is that it not only provides an unforgettable mountain biking experience in the unique landscape of the Red Centre, it allows time for competitors to experience the other popular attractions around Alice Springs. After racing each day, there is ample opportunity for competitors to relax, socialise and do some sightseeing.
The event will commence on Monday 19 May with Stage 1 – a 40km ride that starts with an escorted peloton ride through the streets of Alice Springs. The peloton will leave the Chifley Alice Springs Resort at 8:50am and wind its way down Leichhardt Terrace, onto the Stuart Highway, Larapinta Drive, Lovegrove Drive and then Smith Street. The police escort will pull over at this point and racing will begin!
It will be an intense five days of riding with seven very different stages of incredible mountain biking. Alice Springs residents and visitors are encouraged to come along to check out the action and encourage the riders along. One of the best stages to watch is Stage 2 – a 300m climb up Anzac Hill. This commences at 4:30pm on Monday afternoon.
Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Racer Imogen Smith will be racing and reporting, plus you can follow her on Twitter.
Also, you can follow James Downing for great updates on PRO style and racing.
Follow @jdowning26
Check out the event website for stage and course details: www.ICME.com.