Enduro World Cup an economic sweetner for Derwent Valley

The Derwent Valley is set to feel the love as thousands of mountain bike enthusiasts prepare to descend on the Derwent Valley. DETAILS >>

Dan Booker at Maydena Bike Park. Picture: Ryan Finlay

An economic sweetener is expected for business owners in the Derwent Valley, when the Enduro world Cup begins next week, an event the mayor hopes will boost the region’s reputation as a world class mountain biking destination.

Maydena Bike Park managing director Simon French said the event was expected to attract thousands of people.

“We’ve got about 400 riders and spectators will be several thousands, we don’t know because it’s not a ticketed event,” Mr French said.

“I think they reckon they got about 5000 at the last Enduro, we’re expecting bigger numbers.”

Founder and owner of Maydena Bike Park Simon French ahead of the UCI Enduro World Cup. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr French said the event also showed off the tracks on a world stage.

“It’s huge for creating awareness, most people know who we are and what we are, it amplifies the reach to a global audience,” he said.

“The big piece for us is that marketing opportunity to not only sell Maydena but Tasmania as a top tier mountain bike destination

Mr French expected many would book lengthier stays

“For a lot of the riders it’s pretty much three or four weeks in Tasmania, it’s a good chunk of time,” he said.

Owner of eco friendly store Glass and Brown Paper Pantry, Meg Glass expected her business would be busy over the course of the event.

“We are a plastic free grocery store, we sell convenience meals which are fantastic for travellers, eco cleaning products and byo containers bulk foods,” Ms Glass said.

“It’s the right demographic for us.”

Ms Glass said the store, which has been open for six months, was just one business which would feel the love.

“I’m hoping we’ll get some good foot traffic … everyone in the area is really quite a buzz with expectations it will be very busy,” she said.

“I know a lot of the local Airbnbs and other accommodation places are filling out.”

Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis said the event as monumental.

“It’s of a world class level and it’s incredible to have athletes of that calibre come to our region,” she said.

Michelle Dracoulis re-elected as mayor of the Derwent Valley. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“You don’t just have the athletes you have the spectators as well … They’ll be using local accommodation, they’ll be eating locally.

“People come to the region for the event, then they go on to see the national park and partake in other tourism offerings as well.”

Ms Dracoulis said the event also did wonders for the reputation of the region.

“People come here and they take photos and they breathe the air and drink the water and they tell people how wonderful it is here,” she said.