Expect speedy, thrill-a-minute racing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s the message Orange Mountain Bike Club’s Rodney Farrell sent out leading into the opening two rounds of the Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) Cross Country Olympic (XCO) National Series at Kinross State Forest this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
With more nominations than expected already in – of a marvellous quality too – a pristine Kinross singletrack ready to rock and perfect weather forecast, it’s almost inevitable this weekend’s two-day, double-header competition will be something to behold.
“It’s going to be exhilarating,” Farrell, who has been Orange’s driving force behind the event, enthused.
“The track's in great condition … we’ve had more entries than MTBA was expecting as well, we’re looking to hopefully tick over 200 on both of the days.
“There will be Olympians, Commonwealth Games riders and national champions here like Dan McConnell, Bec Henderson and Cam Ivory.”
The XCO National Series opens with round one on Saturday and then round two on Sunday, on two very different loops.
Saturday’s loop is “short and punchy”, as Farrell described it, at 4.7km while Sunday’s longer loop sits at 6km, and is “all up and then all down”.
VIDEO: Get a more intimate look at some Kinross Forest’s singletrack, courtesy of Youtube user explodinglamas.
“The track has so much to offer, they’ll be pretty speedy through there,” Farrell explained.
While the best of the best will be on show on the weekend, Farrell said anyone interested in racing themselves shouldn’t shy away. Other than the Elite section, there is another 14 divisions across the Expert, Masters and Junior categories.
“That’s the big thing, it’s a national series but it’s not just for the elite,” Farrell said.
“There’s the Expert and the Masters age groups to enter in as well, which will be good, competitive racing. Cross country is for everyone, not just the elite riders.
“Anyone interested should (either enter, or come and watch). There’s a lot of up in the Sunday loop and some like Dan McConnell climbs like he’s floating, so it will be (great to watch).”
Of the local hopes, Farrell highlighted Bathurst’s Dan Watson as one to watch.
“He’s an incredibly talented rider, I think he’ll do really well,” Farrell said.
While registrations close on Wednesday night, Farrell said potential riders can still enter on the day if they want to.