XC, DH Round 1 & MTNX Round 2, Glenorchy, Tasmania

Tasmania is set to host the only combined downhill, cross country and mountain cross event in the 2005/06 Australian National Series Mountain Bike Australia has announced.

Racers will have the opportunity to check out Australia’s latest purpose built mountain bike park during the event. The Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park is only 15 minutes out from Hobart’s city centre and was created with the help of world-renowned course designer Glen Jacobs. Think Sydney Olympics, World Cup, World Championships—Glen has designed over 150 courses in 17 countries, yet he calls this, “The most exciting project for years - the location, the tracks, the people. The place is set to become a major mountain biking destination. There is nothing else like it in Australia.”

The Bike Park has been professionally designed by Glen Jacobs. The XC course is a 20 to 30 minute circuit with the start/finish area at the race village. The entire course should be negotiable for most experienced riders however there is no shortage of tree roots and rocks to keep racers on their toes. The Downhill starts at an elevation of approximately 400m and drops down to the race village 160m. The MTN-X course is located in the centre of the race village; six meters wide with multiple line options. Expect the lead to change often on this monster—Australia’s biggest Mountain Cross course.

A huge event is in store, a professional commentator, timing contractor, lots of local support and a prize pool expected to exceed $10,000 including some awesome prizes and giveaways—like a Kona jump bike thanks to Treadlies bike shop and Kona.

The Australian National Mountain Bike Series. Round 1 Downhill & Cross Country races will be held October 29 and 30, 2005.