UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships begin in Cairns
The UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships has started in Cairns, with competitors from all over the globe taking on the Far North’s iconic rainforest trails for the coveted title of world champion.
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The UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships has started in Cairns, with competitors from all over the globe taking on the Far North’s iconic rainforest trails for the coveted title of world champion.
More than 640 competitors, aged over 35 and representing more than 20 countries, will compete in either downhill or cross country competitions at the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park from May 14-18.
Riders will compete in their age categories, which begin at 35 and go up to aged 80 plus.
This is the second and final year of Cairns hosting the event, and even director Nathan Bassett said Cairns has a “massive legacy” of world-class mountain biking events, with nearby tourist attractions adding to its appeal.
“Cairns is a really unique mountain biking destination that we’ve got, sandwiched between the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef ,” he said.
“People love to come to an adventure destination when they ride their bikes, particularly for our international visitors, it’s not just about riding.
“They want to come and taste everything that Cairns as a region has to offer for a holiday.”
46-year old Spaniard Paxti Cia is a two-time Masters world champion and four time Masters European champion in cross country mountain biking, and has returned to Cairns after competing in 2024.
After a rear tyre puncture at the 2024 event spoiled his hopes of reclaiming the title of world champion, he is hoping this year will be different.
“I’ve raced seven races this year and I’ve won seven, but all the participants are strong,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful track here in Cairns. It’s the more physical track, the uphill is more physical, the downhill is good.”
Mr Cia said apart from the difficult uphill section, he struggled with the Cairns heat and hoped it wouldn’t rain.
Mr Cia is here with his wife and children, and he said he will spend his spare time visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and the Sky Rail with his family.
“This country is beautiful, Australia is in my heart,” he said.
The beginning of the event comes after much-loved mountain biker and police sergeant Frank Falappi, 57, tragically died after an accident at the park on Friday, May 9.
It is understood Mr Falappi was training for the event.
The event also precedes Crankworx Cairns, one of three stops on the Crankworx World Tour, the worlds biggest mountain festival.
From May 21-25, riders will compete in a range of events including dual slalom, slopestyle and a world-first “full tilt” event.
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Originally published as UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships begin in Cairns
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