Orange Mountain Bike Club race director Rodney Farrell said earlier this week he was hoping to host more than 200 riders on each day of this weekend’s Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) Cross Country Olympic (XCO) National Series at Kinross State Forest and it looks like he’s got his wish.
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Entries for the two-day, double header event – round one is on Saturday followed by round two on Sunday – eclipsed 400 and there’s still the opportunity for more walk-ups as well.
There’s 25 registered for men’s Elite and 15 set to race in the women’s Elite, along with another 35 in the Junior men’s and an incredible 42 nominated for the Under 17s. That’s not to mention the combined hundreds across the Expert, Masters, Under-15 and Under-13 divisions.
For the first National Series event the region – let alone Orange – has hosted, it’s a remarkable show of support.
Farrell said the Kinross singletrack will give the riders exactly what they’re hoping for too – speedy, exhilarating racing.
Saturday’s loop is shorter at 4.7m while Sunday’s 6km loop will be far more testing.
VIDEO: Get a more intimate look at some Kinross Forest’s singletrack, courtesy of Youtube user explodinglamas.
“Race one is full of short punchy climbs whilst race two is old school, all up then all down,” Farrell said.
“Our trails are fun, there’s a heap of reward for the riders effort, but enough technical features to offer the most complete rider the best chance of the win.”