If it’s summer, it must be time for the Australian National Series. It sometimes seems like a cruel joke to race in the heat of summer, but with such a busy calendar, and a World Cup season to consider, it’s the best time of year for it. Australia’s best mountain bikers will travel to You Yangs Regional Park in Victoria this weekend for the opening round of the 2014/15 Subaru National Mountain Bike Series presented by Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA).
There will be racing across three disciplines: Olympic Cross Country, Downhill and Short Course.
Will you experience the exhaustion and elation of XCO racing? Photo: Richie Tyler
In Cross Country racing, 2014 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallists Daniel McConnell (ACT) and Rebecca Henderson (ACT) will bring amazing international form and face large fields of challengers. While many experienced elite racers will be there, it will also be a chance for the younger riders who have been achieving excellent results in recent marathon and stage races to show their form in the National Series.
Dan McConnell is one of the top XCO racers in the world – but you can line up in the same race. Photo: Richie Tyler
In an exciting partnership, the opening round in You Yangs is also the opening round of the highly successful Victorian Downhill Series (VDHS), with riders accruing points and prizes in both series. MTBA CEO Mr Shane Coppin said “The Subaru National Mountain Bike Series provides our riders with both great challenge on home soil, as well as offering a pathway for our riders to progress to the international stage. I’m excited that we’re starting it at a fantastic venue in the Victorian You Yangs mountains”.
Photo: Mike Blewitt
Round 1 action will take place Friday to Sunday and spectators are welcome free of charge to see some of the best riders in the world. All information can be found at the series website.
After a break for Christmas and New Years Eve, the series will be heading to Pemberton, WA in January, followed by Mt Stromlo (ACT) and Thredbo (NSW) in February. The season finale will be held in Toowoomba (QLD).
So if you want to get some speed in your legs before the Marathon season starts in March – why not get along to a round or three?