Australia’s best riders will once again land in Orange for the opening rounds of the Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) National Series, but this year they’ll be taking to Kinross State Forest’s pristine singletrack with a touch more on the line.
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The best in the business – think the likes of Olympians Dan McConnell and Bec Henderson and potentially new world champion Cam Wright – will be using the series-opening double header on December 9 and 10 as a tune-up before their final chance to press their claims for Commonwealth Games selection.
Although a number of those riders are considered all but certain starters for the Gold Coast games, the final stage of Australian selection is the XCO National Series’ third round in Nerang, in early January, so a strong lead-up is crucial.
McConnell and Henderson were the undeniable stars of the show last time around, the former won both of the men’s elite races while the latter claimed top spot in round one and finished second in round two of the women’s equivalent.
Fellow world championship rider Anna Beck was successful on day two, she’s expected to contest the event again next month – which is technically a part of the 2018 series – as well.
It’s the second year in a row Orange will host the first two rounds of the series, MTBA chief executive officer Shane Coppin saying he’s expecting another thrill-a-minute weekend.
“The support from the MTB community, Orange MTB Club and Orange City Council meant riders enjoyed a top quality event last year and I am sure this season’s double header will be no different,” he said.
Considering the magnitude of this year’s double-header as a Commonwealth Games lead-up event, Orange mayor Reg Kidd and Orange City Council sport and recreation committee chair Jason Hamling both echoed Coppin’s sentiments.
The former said it’s testament to the quality of the facility, too.
“It’s a solid sign of success when organisers bring an event of this calibre to Orange for a return visit,” Kidd said.
“Some of these top riders are on their way to the Commonwealth Games,” Hamling enthused.
“It’s terrific that Orange will be place where these competitors will be going head-to-head for the first time in this next national series.”
Round four is also in Nerang while the fifth and sixth rounds are in Pemberton in Western Australia. The seventh and eighth, and final two, rounds will be hosted by Armidale.
Along with the elite categories, there’ll be men’s and women’s expert, junior and masters events, along with under 13s, under 15s and under 17s races too.