Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) has announced the dates for the Australian Solo 24hr Championships for 2017. The race will be hosted by the Canberra Off Road Cyclists (CORC) and the race returns to Majura Pines in Canberra on the weekend of 7-8th October 2017 for the first time in four years.
Club President Brendon Mulloy said the move could re-invigorate the event.
“The club made a decision to take the solo 24 hour racing back to its roots and host it as a stand alone event and we are hopeful of a return to the spiritual home and starting place of Australian Solo-Only 24 hr racing.”
Tory Thomas racing to her 24hr Solo title in 2014.
“At this stage we are awaiting confirmation from the ACT park rangers that any planned forest management activities will occur after the event.”
The original venue holds great significance for eight-time national 24hour solo champion Jason English.
“Majura is where I competed in my first national championship. It will be great to see the venue move to a new location to offer different challenges and a bit of variety.”
Jason English is no stranger to 24hr races.
“I have only ridden small parts of the new and improved Majura and I’m really looking forward to be able to race there again should we get the green light to do so.”
MTBA President Russ Baker welcomed the possibility of the Australian Solo 24 hour Championships back at Majura.
“CORC founded the Australian Solo 24hr Championships in 2004 at Kowen Forest, and their Easter Solo-Only 24 at Majura in 2005. They split the Solo Australian champs from the Scott 24hr in 2007 and moved it to Majura to capture the feel their solo-only had generated.”
“Over many years it became known as a race with great character, whether it was held at Majura or Stromlo, but Majura has always been special for the solo 24 riders.”
“It will be great to hopefully see it return there for 2017 and be able to take advantage of all the trail work that has been done in the area following major roadworks.”
Keep your eye on the MTBA website for further details.