After an exhaustive selection process, MTBA has awarded the 2007-2009 Australian National Championships for Cross Country, Downhill, Mountain Cross and Bike Trials to Canberra, and the hosts, Canberra Off Road Cyclists (CORC).
"The National Championships are set to return to the national capital for the first time since 1999 and this is fantastic news for the sport of mountain biking and cycling in Canberra," CORC President, Mr Anthony Burton said today.
The Executive Officer for MTBA, Tony Scott, said, "Canberra is an awesome location to stage the nationals. It is centrally located to Sydney and Melbourne, has nationally connected direct airflights from most major state capitals, has a wide variety of accommodation options, has a wealth of alternative cultural activity opportunities and will be conducted on a purpose built mountain bike park, funded entirely by the ACT government.
"The current ACT Government has earmarked $6.5m in the development of the Mt. Stromlo area, devastated in the 2003 bushfires. The development includes buildings for event management, power, water and sewerage and telecommunications and the design and construction of mountain bike trails for all the disciplines. This, in conjunction with the fact that internationally respected course designer Glen Jacobs has been engaged to develop and manage the conceptual and design aspects of the mountain specific tracks and trails, suggests that the venue will the best ever in Australia."
Scott noted that the combined participation of the Mount Beauty XC nationals, the Thredbo DH and MTN X nationals and next week's Bike Trials nationals to be staged at Port Elliot in South Australia, would be close to the largest nationals ever held which was also staged in Canberra in 1999.
He concluded, "MTBA looks forward to working with the ACT Government and the host club, Canberra Off Road Cyclists, currently Australia's largest and most active MTB club, in ensuring that the 2007 Nationals (and beyond) are the best and biggest ever."
