New Terra Australis set to begin

Victoria's High Country is set to host the inaugural Terra Australis Great Southern Land Mountain Bike Epic from March 29 through April 4.

A high class field will tackle the 550km over the seven stages. Riders from all states of Australia plus overseas riders from Colorado and the United Kingdom will compete. Heading the field are three well credentialed teams. Dan McConnell who represented Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics has teamed up with elite cyclist Luke Fetch as part of the Torq Performance Nutrition Team.

Hot on their heels will be the BMC Racing team of Troy Bailey and Joel Donney. Bailey has been a fixture on the Australian mountain bike scene for over a decade and recently became the World Solo 24-hour Champion at the World Championships in Canada in the 35-39 male category. His race partner for Terra Australis Donney finished second in the under 25 male category after riding the race of his life at the same event.

The Pink jerseys of the Total Rush team will also be vying for overall honours with Mark Fenner and Sam Bach confident of a good showing. Both are extremely competent mountain bike riders with Fenner collecting a bronze medal at the recent World Championships.

"The seven stages will see elite riders and weekend warriors travel through the pristine wilderness of Victoria's High Country. Falls Creek, Dinner Plain, Bright, Beechworth and Wangaratta will all host stage finishes," said organizers.

For more information, visit www.terraaustralismtbepic.com.