Aussie nats awarded to South Australia

Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) awarded South Australia the rights to host the five-day Australian Mountain Bike Championships at Eagle Mountain Bike Park for the next three years from 2010 to 2012.

"Mountain bike riding is increasingly popular both here in Australia and around the world, and I'm thrilled that South Australia is going to be home to the sport's national championships for the next three years," said Sport Minister Michael Wright.

It will be the largest event ever hosted by the Eagle Mountain Bike Park, which previously held the World Police & Fire Games and the Australasian Masters Games in 2007.

The park will make infrastructure improvements to prepare for the championships including upgrading access roads, establishing a permanent 4X track, expanding the downhill course finishing area and upgrading existing courses.

"This is another great result for South Australia and further strengthens our reputation as the centre of cycling in Australia," said Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith.

The first event will be held at Eagle Mountain Bike Park, at Leawood Gardens in the Adelaide Hills, on January 13-17, 2010, just prior to the Tour Down Under ProTour road event. The final day will overlap with the Tour Down Under's prologue event, the Down Under Classic, on January 17.

The 2012 event will double as a qualifier for the Australian team selected for the London Olympic Games.