Mountain bike riders ready for Orange

The nation’s best mountain bike riders are gearing up for the journey to Orange for the opening round of the 2018 Cross-Country National Series.

It’s the second straight year the trails at Kinross State Forest have hosted Australia’s best mountain bikers for the start of the national titles. The 2018 Cross-Country National Series (presented by Beastwear) begins with a double header on the 9-10th December 2017.

The 2018 National Series is made up of eight rounds, with races also to be staged on the Gold Coast, Pemberton in Western Australia and Canberra.

Mountain Bike Australia CEO Shane Coppin said the success of last year’s event showed the growth of the sport in the central west region of NSW.

“The support from the MTB community, Orange MTB Club and Orange City Council meant riders enjoyed a top quality event last year and I am sure this season’s double header will be no different,” Shane Coppin said.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd is delighted the event is coming back to Orange.

“It’s a solid sign of success when organisers bring an event of this callibre to Orange for a return visit,” Reg Kidd said.

Orange City Council’s Sport & Recreation Committee chair, Cr Jason Hamling is pleased Orange will be the place to see the nation’s best.

“Some of these top riders are on their way to the Commonwealth Games,” Cr Jason Hamling said.

“It’s terrific that Orange will be place where these competitors will be going head-to-head for the first time in this next national series.”

Reigning National Series elite champions Daniel McConnell and Rebecca Henderson tasted success at the venue last year and will no doubt be back to defend their titles as they prepare for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games a few months later.

Newly crowned Junior Men’s World Champion Cameron Wright, who claimed a clean sweep of wins during the series last season, will be the favourite in a strong field.

Anyone can enter the 2018 Cross-Country National Series with categories ranging from Under 15 through to Masters 10.

For more information on all races in the series head to: https://www.mtba.asn.au/event/cross-country