The 2022 Reef to Reef is here – returning to the tropical paradise of Cairns after a 2-year hiatus. Reef to Reef is the newest addition to the Epic Series of events in Australia, partnered with sister events such as Cape to Cape and Port to Port. Riders from across Australia and around the world will head to Tropical North Queensland this week for the mountain bike stage race.
The 4-day stage race will take riders on some of the best mountain biking trails in the country, with 170kms of racing over the four days, culminating in the 30th anniversary of the famous Triple-R on Sunday 21 August.
Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, organisers of Reef to Reef, said that the team was looking forward to welcoming riders back to the event this week.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Reef to Reef back to the region for the first time 2019 and can’t wait to see riders on the start line from Thursday,” said Meyer. “Reef to Reef has quickly become a firm favourite for riders both local and further abroad and it’s great to see it back after a three-year hiatus.
“Reef to Reef is a great riding and social event, with it providing a chance for riders to relax at the end of the stage and enjoy the company of those joining them on the trails,” he said. “It’s set to be a great four days of riding and we look forward to seeing plenty of smiling faces coming across the finish line at the end of each stage.
“We’re also looking forward to celebrating the 30th running of the Triple-R, with the famous dash along Four Mile Beach to the finish line at Port Douglas a great way to end the event,” he said.
Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region provides the perfect backdrop for the physical challenge of the Reef to Reef 2022.
“The tropical north’s diverse natural landscape is the picture-perfect destination for the Reef to Reef making its triumphant return for the first time in three years.” Mr Healy said. “We know competitors and spectators will travel from around the country to compete in this spectacular event. We encourage visitors to the region to stay longer to experience all that the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region has to offer. From the UNESCO World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef to the coastal towns of Port Douglas and Palm Cove there is no shortage of experiences to explore,”
“This event will generate a welcomed boost of an estimated $1.3 million for the local economy during this time of COVID-19 recovery,” he said. “That’s why the Reef to Reef is backed by the Queensland Government’s It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
“Queensland is fast becoming the sporting capital of Australia with a number of major sporting events like this being staged in Queensland in the lead up to the ultimate sporting event, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mr Healy.
Reef to Reef provides a number of ways for riders to be involved, with both four day and single day Triple-R options. A highlight of Reef to Reef is pairs racing, where teams of two take on the event together, with there also the option of entering the event as a solo rider.
MarathonMTB.com at Reef to Reef
Our dynamic duo of Imogen Smith and Mike Blewitt return to Reef to Reef, having competed at the 2018 event ahead of heading overseas for 5 weeks of mountain bike races. 2018 didn’t go to plan for the team, with Stage 2 at Davies Creek skipped due to illness.
‘I’m really keen to get back up north,’ said Blewitt. ‘There’s so much riding to do up there, and it’s easy to forget about it down south. The terrain is really varied, and I like that we get to experience so much of what the tropics have to offer.’
‘Reef to Reef is a great opportunity for a lot of racers to get together again,’ added Smith. ‘After two years of less racing than normal, and so many postponements and cancellations due to weather this year, it’ll be great to just see people out on their bikes at a race again.’
Reef to Reef is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.