The AvantiPlus Hellfire Cup is set for 2014 – agina based at Kellevie and riding into different areas of the Wielangta State Forest and surrounding areas each day with a mix of private and forestry land. The race course has myriad of tracks, forest trails, and awesome descents in beautiful landscapes. With 7 stages offering a good mix of single track and adventure riding.
The philosophy of the promoters is that the course should not be too dumbed down and have should have lots organic single track and also require effort to conquer hills making it more rewarding. It has been designed to be achievable and enjoyable for someone new to stage races with a reasonable level of fitness. The event is classified as a stage race but differs significantly from most other events of this type, having one base that competitors start and finish from each day to limit the logistic headaches for riders, support crews and families. And the distances aren’t ‘marathon-style’ so you have plenty of time to enjoy the holiday too.
2013 was a rough year for the Hellfire Cup. First a fire storm in January postponed the event, and then in November heavy rain tried to drown it.
“We have made vast improvements from the first event including a new timing system that is state of the art providing preliminary results online instantly. We have also improved rider comfort at the race village with new gas showers and more services on site so people can get comfortable and warm if we have a disagreement with the weather gods. Also upgraded is the food on offer with more substantial lunches and food vendors on site for evening meals.” Stated Race Director Duncan Giblin.
Known for a rich prize purse, the Hellfire Cup is continuing that tradition in 2014
- $26,000 cash for elite rider podiums divided equally between genders.
- $52,000 in random spot prizes/ competitor giveaways is on offer for competitors including two bikes from major sponsor AvantiPlus.
In part due to the prize pool, the Hellfire Cup has attracted significant interest from elite riders since it was launched. This year they already have current World XC Eliminator World champ Paul Van der Ploeg, Australian Women’s Marathon Champ Melisa Anset , plus national stage race, marathon and xc enduro winners such as Rebecca Locke, Naomi Williams, National Female Masters Marathon champ Traci Lonergan , World number 2 world cup u23 Rebecca Henderson either signed up already or indicating they will be back for 2014.
Entries are open for the 2014 Hellfire Cup, which runs from 20-23rd November 2014. Get into it.