UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships: Action kicks of as masters shred the trails
After three days of training runs and acclimatisation the worlds best masters downhill and cross country mountain bike racers will hit the trails against the clock and their competitors as racing kicks off at Smithfield.
Cairns
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After three days of training runs and acclimatisation the worlds best masters downhill and cross country mountain bike racers will hit the trails against the clock and their competitors as racing kicks off at Smithfield.
The event, which has 640 competitors representing more than 20 countries, will crown champions in both downhill and cross-country events in ages ranging from over 35s to those aged 80-84.
Saturday will see the downhill specialists chasing the speed with seeding rounds kicking off from 11.30am before riders will complete their final runs in the finals from 2.30-5pm.
On Sunday all eyes will be on the cross country track where endurance, climbing power and fitness reign supreme.
Sunday racing will kick off from 8am and run through the premier category hitting the slopes of Smithfield at 2:30.
Event director Nathan Bassett said they were expecting about 2000 spectators over the event’s five days, with more than 140 volunteers contributing more than 1400 hours of their time to make it all happen.
The Cairns region is also expecting an economic boost as participants and attendees travel from both interstate and overseas for the event.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said “these events take our region through the gears – attracting visitors, filling our restaurants and cafes, and shining a spotlight on the world-class trails and natural beauty we enjoy every day”.
Almost 30 per cent of attendees at the 2024 event came from overseas, with more than 40 per cent travelling from interstate, according to Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen.
“Masters events are a win for the athletes who get to reconnect with old friends, and for the community they are held in, as the participants take time out with friends and family to explore the destination they are visiting,” Mr Olsen said.
“In 2024, the international mountain biking enthusiasts stayed an average of 8.6 nights so they could enjoy exploring our dual world heritage areas and soak up our tropical lifestyle.”
Entry to the event is free, and more information is available at: mtbmastersworldscairns.com.au
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Originally published as UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships: Action kicks of as masters shred the trails
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