Masters Mountain Bike World Championships kicks off in Cairns ahead of Crankworx
Smithfield Mountain Bike Park is on the brink of an international invasion with the start of the 2024 UCI MTB Masters World Championships in Cairns this week and just one more week until Crankworx.
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Smithfield Mountain Bike Park is on the brink of an international invasion with the start of the 2024 UCI MTB Masters World Championships in Cairns this week
The event kicks off a solid month of events in the Far North with Crankworx bringing more mountain biking enthusiasts to the region next week and Port Douglas Carnivale celebrating 30 years with 21 events over three days from May 24.
More than 30 countries will be represented across the five days of the masters competition, from as far away as Sweden to across the ditch in New Zealand as cross-country and downhill
riders vie for the rainbow jersey.
AusCycling executive manager of sport Kipp Kaufmann welcomed the competitors to Far North Queensland.
“We have a world-class facility here with people from all over the world here to compete,” he said.
“They will be staying here for weeks loving these trails and loving racing while really putting so much back into the community.
“Along with a world class broadcast at Crankworx we will have people seeing this part of the world and wanting to come here.”
Queensland’s Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy says that Cairns is the destination for competitive cycling.
“From the UCI Master Mountain Bike World Championships this weekend, to Crankworx
next weekend, Cairns is establishing itself as the destination for world-class cycling and
mountain biking events,” he said.
“Competitors and spectators could not find a more picturesque backdrop than the World
Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest in this spectacular region in
Queensland.
“This event is also a win for our local economy, with hundreds of visitors expected to
spend $2.2 million, which is great for local hospitality and accommodation providers and
industry workers.”
Crankworx next weekend will turn the adrenaline up to 11 with riders styling it out on the massive jumps of the slopestyle course among a number of other disciplines and a party atmosphere with performances from Australian legends Spiderbait.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the countdown was on for the athletes to showcase their incredible talent before enjoying the adventures of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.
“The addition of live music this year will take the party atmosphere up another notch and
encourage participants and spectators to keep the party going after hours by relaxing into the
region’s tropical food and beverage scene,” he said.
For those looking for slightly different experience Port Douglas Carnivale is offering a suite of events over three days to celebrate its 30th year.
Savour TNQ and Paradise Picnic, sponsored by the State and Federal government, are new to the program which includes Symphony Under the Stars by Queensland Symphony Orchestra, The Wonderland Spiegeltent, Tin Shed Family Beach Day, Street Parade, the Longest Lunch, art and photography exhibitions, Port Douglas Music Trails and more.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said there will a lot on offer.
“Plenty of food to eat, performances to see and activities for the whole family,” she said.
“This is a great boost for our community, tourism and local business and with all these great events even more reason to come and join us.”
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Originally published as Masters Mountain Bike World Championships kicks off in Cairns ahead of Crankworx
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