Endurance racers to descend on Alice Springs

The Anaconda Mountain Bike Enduro is set to run seven stages over five days in and around Alice Springs from May 18-23. Stages will range in length from a 45 second sprint up Anzac Hill in town to a 90km trek from Ross River Station back to Alice Springs.

Formally known as "The Bullroarer" and then "The Bullrider", the event has now changed its name one last time to be the Anaconda MTB Enduro after outdoor retailer Anaconda signed a three year naming rights agreement to sponsor the event.

"We've tried to include a lot of diversity in the riding" said race director John Jacoby, "and are very happy with the tracks the locals have put forward and appreciative of the assistance they have given us. There will be some epic lengths of flowing single track broken up with plenty of flowing 4WD tracks all set within the majestic MacDonnell ranges. In two words, I think the racing will be 'fast and fun' so once you're locked into the terrain the competitors will really enjoy the riding that follows."

The event boasts 200 riders already signed up from all over Australian and New Zealand. Among them is three-time Australian cross country champion and previous winner Chris Jongewaard from South Australia. As recent winner of the Lowan Otway Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon in Victoria, he is the race favourite. Expected to challenge for victory are 2006 winner and Commonwealth Games representative Matthew Fleming; and national representatives Shaun Lewis , Aiden Lefmann, Tim Bennett and James Williamson.