MTB News & Racing Round-up, October 19, 2009

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Date published:

October 20, 2009, 16:14

Edited by Sue George, Mountain Bike Editor

Welcome to our regular roundup of what's happening in mountain biking. Feel free to send feedback, news, & releases to mtb@cyclingnews.com and results, reports & photos to cyclingnews@cyclingnews.com.

• Robic returns to Croc Trophy

  

  Article published:

  October 19, 2009, 21:04

  By:

  John Flynn

  Four-time RAAM winner flies in under the radar

  In a plot line that could have been ripped from the pages of a cold war spy thriller, Slovenian soldier Jure Robic, a four-time solo winner of the Race Across America, almost managed to sneak into Australia beneath the radar.

  Seriously injured a month ago in a racing crash, in which he sustained a broken collarbone and broken ribs, Robic was thought to be a definite non-starter until Crocodile Trophy organisers received a cryptic email just two days ago with the words, "I'm coming".

  "Two days before I left, I didn't know if I could go on the plane, because the therapy was not working," Robic said.

  The Slovenian hard-man has raced the Crocodile Trophy on four occasions and finished on the final race podium twice. He is just one half of a determined Slovenian assault on the 2009 race.

  Fellow Slovenian Matej Mugerli, a former pro tour stage winner from his time at Liquigas, joined Robic for the journey to Australia.

  "I decided to come here to help Matej Mugerli," Robic said, "but my goal remains the same, to win some stages and finish on the podium."

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• Cape Pioneer Trek draws stage racers to South Africa

  

  Article published:

  October 19, 2009, 17:57

  By:

  Cycling News

  Sauser among those competing

  While many eyes are on Australia for the Crocodile Trophy, a different mountain bike stage race, the Cape Pioneer Trek (CPT) is happening from October 19 to 24 in South Africa.

  Former World Champion Christoph Sauser is among those competing. He's racing with Team Specialized manager Bobby Behan in the open men's two-person division. Approximately 200 cyclists are competing for the R40,000 in prize money - 10,000 of which will go to the winner of the men's category.

  "With legendary races such as the Attakwas and various other big ones in the bag, the six-day challenge represents a new milestone for both ourselves and the cyclists," said Henco Rademeyer and Carel Herholdt. Dryland Event Management is running the event.

  The route visits Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Prince Albert, De Rust, Uniondale and George.

  For more information, visit http://www.capepioneer.co.za.

  Follow Cyclingnews on Twitter for the very latest coverage of events taking place in the cycling world - twitter.com/cyclingnewsfeed.

• Hundertmarck hunts for stage wins Down Under

  

  Article published:

  October 19, 2009, 17:55

  By:

  John Flynn

  Retired Telekom cyclist returns to Crocodile Trophy

  Competition for stage victories at the 2009 Crocodile Trophy is certain to be fierce, with a growing list of former stage winners rolling up for the race start.  The Australian stage race starts Tuesday and runs for 10 days.

  Retired Telekom cyclist turned ironman triathlete "Crocodile Kai" Hundertmarck, can't wait to return to the Outback that he grew to love four years ago, during his previous Crocodile Trophy appearance.

  "I have to be a little bit crazy coming back but it's a great adventure and I love it," Hundertmarck said. "It's four years ago now, so there's time to forget the pain."

  The German won two stages at the 2005 Crocodile Trophy, including the event's "Queen Stage" from Laura to Cooktown.

  Follow Cyclingnews on Twitter for the very latest coverage of events taking place in the cycling world - twitter.com/cyclingnewsfeed.

• Early arrivals preview Crocodile Trophy start

  

  Article published:

  October 16, 2009, 19:02

  By:

  John Flynn

  Europeans feel the heat

  Three days out from the start of Australia's iconic Crocodile Trophy, the race's European combatants are already feeling the heat of what is sure to be a race-defining opening stage from Cairns to Lake Tinaroo on Queensland's Tropical Tableland.

  Conducting pre-race reconnaissance, a selection of the Crocodile Trophy's early arrivals had barely reached the foot of the race's opening climb for 2009, the infamous "Copperlode", when they struck trouble.

  For Belgian Geert Matthijs, acclimatising to the Crocodile Trophy conditions proved a mighty challenge. He drained two one-litre biddons in the first 10 kilometres of the ride.

  "Almost cooking, 100 degrees (Fahrenheit), so it's very hot today," a jovial Matthijs said as the mercury climbed above 30 Celsius degrees. "I sweat a little, and you can't drink enough, especially when you climb."

  Austrian Lisa Pleyer, considered one of the leading contenders in the women's event, enjoyed the chance to test her climbing legs but chose wisely to take it easy in the steamy conditions.

  "It's not as bad as I was expecting it to be, but it's very hot and I think it's going to get hotter in the days ahead," a concerned Pleyer said. "I've got no choice, it's hot, and I'm going to have to get on with it."

  A doctor by profession, Pleyer has done her research on the Crocodile Trophy and has heard more than a few "gruesome tales" on the sort of physical and mental scars the race can inflict upon riders.

  The Austrian also has a strong Crocodile Trophy connection through her coach Rob Hotter, who wrote his own piece of race history with a stage victory in the 2004 edition, which was won by Team Columbia HTC's Adam Hansen.

  "He (Hotter) told me it would change me, I would be a different person afterwards, and I should be prepared for that," Pleyer said.

  The Crocodile Trophy's marquee rider, former World and Olympic Champion Bart Brentjens, will jet into Cairns on Sunday, leaving just one full day of rest before the race begins on Tuesday.

  Competitors will assemble at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon on Monday for the official race briefing and rider presentation. The Crocodile Trophy will start adjacent to the Lagoon on the Cairns Esplanade on Tuesday morning.

  Follow Cyclingnews on Twitter for the very latest coverage of events taking place in the cycling world - twitter.com/cyclingnewsfeed.

• Cape Epic photographer wins award

  

  Article published:

  October 16, 2009, 16:40

  By:

  Sue George, Mountain Bike Editor

  Perkin wins top prize with race photo

  One of the leading photographers at the annual Cape Epic, Gary Perkin, walked away with top honours in the second Velo Arto competition at the prestigious Vélirium mountain bike festival held in conjunction with the UCI World Cup at Mont-Sainte-Anne.
  
  Showcasing the work of 10 photographers, 10 video directors and 20 artists, the Velo Arto competition had the public vote in order to determine the winner. The work formed part of the exhibition held during the month of July at Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec, Canada.

  "I'm absolutely delighted. This is my first major international award for my images," said Perkin. "I can now officially call myself an award winning photographer."

  "We're extremely proud of Gary's achievement. He has always taken exceptional images at our event which is why we invite him year after year," said Tanya Odendaal, Marketing Manager of the Cape Epic. "The award could not have been given to a more deserving recipient. He is the consummate professional and only a pleasure to have as part of our team. We wish only the best for his career."

  The next edition of the Cape Epic mountain bike stage race will be held in South Africa from March 21 to 28, 2010. The route will be announced on Wednesday, October 28.

  For more information on the race, visit www.cape-epic.com.

• Tasmanian mountain bike series launched

  

  Article published:

  October 16, 2009, 15:46

  By:

  Sue George, Mountain Bike Editor

  Forestry Tasmania backs downhill, cross country series

  Tasmania's top mountain bikers, including Rowena Fry and Ben Mather, will compete at the first of 10 events in the Forestry Tasmania Mountain Bike Series, to be held at Turners Beach in Tasmania's northwest on Sunday.

  The series will involve five cross country and five downhill events statewide on Sundays between now and the end of February, with the championship finals to be held at the Tolosa Mountain Bike Park in Glenorchy on Saturday and Sunday March 20 and 21.

  The events are being run by the Launceston Mountain Bike Club and the Hobart Wheelers and Dirt Devils. The Forestry Tasmania/Southern Cross Community Assist program is sponsoring them.

  Launceston Mountain Bike Club President Ian Smith said it was the sixth year the championships had been held.

  "The series attracts riders aged from age 11 to 70 across 18 categories, from beginners through to national contenders including Fry, Mather and Sid Taberlay when they can fit these events into their hectic racing schedules," said Smith.

  "These events not only help raise the profile and participation in mountain biking in Tasmania, but also provide a pathway for juniors and elite riders to the national series."

  "In the past 12 months, the we have worked hard to bring new people to the sport and have achieved a 100 percent increase in membership," he said. "We strive to create a friendly, fun and approachable environment at all of our events to encourage newcomers and beginners to participate."

  This year, the series has been boosted by a AUS$10,000 sponsorship and naming rights deal through the Pride of Tasmania category of the Community Assist program.

  "We are excited about developing an even deeper relationship with Forestry Tasmania. The sponsorship will go a long way to develop the statewide series."
  
  Forestry Tasmania Mountain Bike Series cross country events

  • October 18: Turners Beach in the northwest
  • November 15: Clarence Mountain Bike Park in Clarence
  • November 22: Ben Lomond
  • December 6: Hollybank Adventure Forests
  • December 20: Kellevie in the southeast

  Forestry Tasmania Mountain Bike Series downhill events

  • October 25: Wyena, near Hollybank in the north
  • November 15: Tolosa Mountain Bike Park in Glenorchy
  • December 6: Hollybank Adventure Forests in the north
  • February 28: Wyena
  • A venue and date to be announced

  Follow Cyclingnews on Twitter for the very latest coverage of events taking place in the cycling world - twitter.com/cyclingnewsfeed.

• Merida-Flight Centre confirms Rhodes on roster

  

  Article published:

  October 16, 2009, 06:06

  By:

  Cycling News

  Alexis’ sister Terri the latest off-road recruit

  The Merida Flight Centre elite mountain bike squad has signed Terri Rhodes to its four-strong team for the upcoming Australian season. Rhodes is the sister of road star Alexis, who rode for North American road squad Webcor Builders in 2009.

  “Being part of a factory team like Merida Flight Centre is as good as it gets in Australia,” she said. “My aim for next year with the team is to be competitive at all national rounds and then race in Europe to gain more valuable experience.”

  Rhodes hopes the experience gained from the coming season will enable her to launch into a European and North American campaign in coming seasons. A member of Australia’s ‘Dirt Roads To London’ program, Rhodes’ had a keen eye on the 2012 Olympic Games.

  “Beyond 2010 I hope to improve enough to climb the rankings and compete at a world class level in Europe and North America,” she said. “And, of course, my ultimate aim is to represent Australia at the 2012 London Olympics.”

  The South Australian rider joins Queensland’s Jodie Willett, who was announced as a signing earlier this week, and Victorian men Adrian Jackson and James Peacock on the squad. Rhodes was third in the under 23 age group at the Oceania Mountain Biking Championships and represented Australia at the International Cycling Union (UCI) Mountain Bike World Championships last month.

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