Rohin Adams stars at The Redback in Alice Springs

More than 100 riders descended on Alice Springs for this weekend’s Redback MTB Stage Race. See the results from the top-notch four days of racing.

The Redback MTB Stage Race returns to Australia's Red Centre this week from August 18 to 21.

Reigning winner of The Redback Rohin Adams has continued his fine form at the Alice Springs track after claiming the overall GC championship again following a rapid four days of racing.

The 45-year-old Victorian from Clifton Hill, who also won the Stage 6 A-Line on Monday, took out the overall male award with a rapid time of 8:11.17.

Tash Burgess took out the female overall award with a quick 10:51.19.

Monday’s Stage 6 A-Line saw Adams claim first place with a time of 2:27.34 and Kimberly Douglas, not far behind, was the fastest female through the finish line with an impressive 3:16.56.

Adams took out the top awards as a veteran (40-49) categorised racer while Burgess and Douglas were prime (18-39) competitors in the 14th year of the event.

Rohin Adams celebrates on the finish line. Picture: Rapid Ascent

Adams said the win was an “added bonus” in his fourth trip to the Red Centre for the event.

“I just love coming up here for a getaway and the fantastic trails,” he said.

“And so to win is an obvious added bonus and to ride consistently and not have any mechanical situations is an important part of getting you through this.

“But yeah, it’s just such an amazing place to come and ride your bike and be with like minded people.

“It’s a great event.”

Rohin Adams at the Redback in Alice Springs. Picture: Rapid Ascent

The Big Hill Events director said the format of the competition made for great racing.

“Stage racers are really a great thing to go to because you do get different people that are better in some stages versus other stages,” he said.

“And if you have a bad day, you get to line up and do it again the next day and try and make up for anything that may or may not have gone wrong.”

Adams mentioned local talent Tom Stockwell as someone who he kept an eye on knowing that he would take advantage of the trails he had good experience riding on.

Competitors in action at the The Redback in Alice Springs. Picture: Rapid Ascent

In other categories in the Stage 6 A-Line race, there were a number of competitors who produced some fast times in challenging conditions where temperatures reached the mid 20s on the final day of the event.

In the vintage (50-59) category of the longest race in the entire event, Simon Leighfield (2:46:34) and Oonagh Duff (4:07:10) were the winners.

The veteran (40-49) group saw Adams (2:27.34) and Georgina Landy (3:24:35) claim victory.

The prime (18-39) section had Stockwell 2:33:31 and Douglass (3:16:56) triumph.

And lastly the male masters (60+) saw John Allison rise to a rapid time of 2:49.27 to get over the line first in his group.

Alice Springs Redback MTB Stage Race kicks off

Alice Springs’ extensive network of mountain bike trails will be jam packed this weekend with more than 100 competitors taking part in the Redback MTB Stage Race.

First established in 2008, the six stage race kicked off on Friday and will continue into Monday morning.

Between 100 and 150 riders are expected to take part, including 2022 Redback overall male winner Rohin Adams and dual-Olympic representative Courtney Atkinson.

“It’s always great to ride the Redback because the single track is better than you would expect,” Mr Adams said.

Dual Olympic representative Courtney Atkinson races the Redback course in 2016. Picture: Rapid Ascent.

“To be able to race on these trails, in this land, in this environment, is really enjoyable and I can’t wait to be back.”

Mr Atkinson, who has turned his focus to adventure sports following the London Olympics, said he was “always looking for new experiences and challenges”.

“On road, the Olympic triathlons provided a career for me,” he said.

“But off-road on the mountain bike trails is more my hobby, pure enjoyment with pain.”

Organised by Rapid Ascent, this year event managers worked closely with local mountain bike club the Central Australian Rough Riders to allow riders of varying abilities to access different course options depending on their individual preferences.

Event director John Jacoby described the quality of the course as “unmatched”, with stages varying from a 300m hill climb to a 49km cross country race.

“If riding flowing, fun and fast single track is your thing then this event guarantees that you’ll be a better rider after your Redback experience than before,” he said.