Australia's elite riders prepare for mountain challenge

Top motorcross riders head to Toowoomba for Mountain Man

IN FRONT: Dean Ferris wins the 2018 Mountain Man Motorcross at Echo Valley. Picture: Kevin Farmer

MOTOCROSS: A massive field featuring some of Australia's top motocross riders will contest this weekend's Mountain Man challenge.

More than 200 riders will compete over the two days - a testament to how highly the Echo Valley track is regarded according to Toowoomba Motocross Club president John Armstrong.

"Echo Valley is not only considered to be one of Australia's best tracks - it has s a great reputation overseas as well, Armstrong said.

"We have a long and proud history here and a track record of attracting Australia's best riders and top riders from overseas as well, we've had several Americans compete here over the years.

"Last year Australia's number one rider Dean Ferris won the Mountain Man and this year we've got Jay Wilson, Kirk Gibbs and Todd Waters racing. All three of them have won multiple national championships.”

Armstrong said Echo Valley's "unique” make-up was what attracted riders to the Toowoomba track.

"We've recently completed a major redevelopment of the track but everything it is famous for is still there,” Armstrong said.

"The Matador and Skyline sections are still there, the track is still fast, technical and physically demanding.

"What sets it apart from a lot of tracks is the environment it's built in.

"Unlike a lot of tracks in Australia it's built in a valley and we use that elevation to our advantage.”

With sidecar, vintage, women's, veterans and open categories on the schedule Armstrong said there will plenty of racing on offer to keep fans interested.

"The track is looking great,” he said. "We had our first competitive race recently and the feedback was fantastic.

"We're expecting some great racing this weekend.”

Racing starts at 9.30am on Saturday and Sunday.

Originally published as Australia's elite riders prepare for mountain challenge