Florida MTB stage race planned for April

Josh Van Cleef, Director of Florida mountain bike stage race, the Santos Triple Bypass, announced that the 2006 event will take place April 22 and 23, 2006, in Belleview, Florida, USA.

The three stage event will be open to all NORBA (National Off-Road Bicycling Association) categories. Final awards will be based on traditional stage race timing, where the lowest combined time from all three stages determines the winner.

Stages 1 and 2 will be held on Saturday, April 22. Stage 1 will be a circuit race contested on a 1.5 mile cross-country course. Stage 2 will be the 8.5 mile Cytomax Time Trial. Stage 3, April 23, is Florida's first Marathon race. Pro and Expert classes will complete approximately 62 miles (100k) of backcountry racing. Sport and Beginner classes will run shortened 40- and 20- mile stages, respectively.

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Ocala Mountain Bike Association, who built and maintains the Santos Trails. Complete details are available now at http://www.mtbstagerace.com.