The new Evocities MTB Series has been launched, and Orange will be the host for the first of the seven race series that also visits Albury, Western Sydney, Bathurst, Dubbo, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
Mayor of Dubbo, Councillor Mathew Dickerson said he was excited that the Evocities MTB Series was able to secure Fairfax Media as a major sponsor, making this series the richest in Australia and providing national exposure for the Evocities brand.
“The Evocities MTB Series will establish a high performance pathway for mountain bike racing in regional NSW, raising the standard of the sport, increasing participation and creating a unique series of national significance,” Clr Dickerson said.
“With the support of Fairfax Media as the major sponsor as well as sponsorship from Fly Orana; Maas Group Properties; NAB; QantasLink; Sydney University School of Rural Health and Prime 7 as a Media Partner, the combined prize money offered will be over $80,000.
“The high expected number of participants in each event, as well as supporters, spectators and other visitors will generate major economic benefits for each of the seven race locations which include six Evocities. The Evocities MTB Series provides a unique platform to promote the opportunities and lifestyle available in regional NSW to a national audience,” Clr Dickerson said.
The first race of the series will be in Orange on Sunday 15 February 2015. Other events in the series include: Albury on 14 March; Wylde MTB Park in Western Sydney on 12 April; Bathurst on 31 May; Dubbo on 12 July; Tamworth on 8 August with the series finale to be held in Wagga Wagga on 6 September.
This is big news for Australian mountain bikers, although it does still favour those who live in South East Australia, who are already spoilt for choice for mountain bike events. But, it does add a few new events to the calendar that is otherwise starting to get a little old. The high prize money and exposure should draw big names, an hopefully the series will be a big success. Regular marathon races aren’t still drawing the same big numbers as they were 5 years ago, perhaps visiting some new places will help.
Chocolate Foot event director Joe Ward says he’s thrilled to be involved with the series “Having grown up and lived in regional NSW, I think it’s excellent that a series like this has been developed and we really look forward giving regional participants a great race at the newly-built Wylde MTB Park at Western Sydney Parklands, and promoting Evocities to our Sydney competitors.”
Chocolate Foot are an experience event promoter, running popular events – Photo: Dave Bateman
For more information on the Evocities MTB Series, see www.evocitiesmtb.com