Bendigo Scores National Series Status
It’s just been announced that the Bendigo Golden Triangle Epic will form round three of the 2016 National XCM Series.
The Golden Triangle Epic is one of Australia’s largest club run MTB events, typically attracting around 400 competitors. With its inclusion as a National Series round, it’s hoped that entries will be boosted even higher.
Shane Coppin, CEO for Mountain Bike Australia, cites Bendigo’s extensive trail network and close proximity to Melbourne as being key factors. “The local club is extremely proactive, they’re facilitating many opportunities for potential riders, and the region also receives significant local Council support” says Coppin.
As a National Series round, the field will be a strong one and last year’s elite women’s 100km winner Jenni King already has the race locked into her calendar. Although she’s expecting many more elite riders to be on the start line, King is looking forward to battling it out on the singletrack around Bendigo. “My form is certainly great for this time of year, so if I can keep it building I will be confident of putting together a solid race.”
World Solo 24-Hour champion Jess Douglas will also be returning to Bendigo for the event. After winning the 100 Mile category last year, Douglas is determined to beat her time and set the pace for the Elite Women’s field. “I have been doing bucket loads of road riding and racing this summer season, and I feel that this will give me better legs for smashing out a PB,” says Douglas.
Bendigo also has a strong contingent of local riders who’ll be keen for a good showing including Tasman Nankervis and under 23’s gun Chris ‘The Hurricane’ Hamilton. According to Chris, “Bendigo is very unique, the trails are fast and it’s the quickest 100km I have ever done on a mountain bike. There are rocks though, probably a lot more than out of town riders are used to, but things have changed and a lot of work has been put into the trails to smooth them out and improve the flow.”
Of course it’s not all about the elite and the Golden Triangle Epic has a range of categories and distances for all abilities. The course follows a 50km loop around Bendigo, taking in much of the mining history that lies in the surrounding hills. You can choose between 50, 100 and 150km race distances (one, two or three laps) and there’s also a 15km ride as well as an all new 30km option that’s aimed at newcomers.
The event is set to take place on Saturday the 16th of April and Bendigo is an easy 1.5 hour drive out of Melbourne. For all the details go to www.mtbbendigo.com
