In just one week, the fourth Mountains To Beach mountain bike stage race will see riders off and racing from the roof of Australia to the beautiful beaches of the NSW South Coast.
Over five days riders will journey across 380km of terrain, with stage racing sections designed to test every skill; uphill, downhill, cross country, marathon and riding under lights. The tough timed stages will vary from 10km to 90km, mixed with non-timed cruise stages for riders to take in the landscape along the way.
The battle to the beach will be fierce with some of Australia’s top riders taking on the epic challenge. Queensland’s Andy Fellows returns to defend his title in 2012, while 2011 second place winner Garry James is also back and hot on his wheels to take this year’s win.
Both will be looking over their shoulder knowing the near 100 strong race pack also consists of World 24 Hour Champion and 2009 and 2010 winner Jason English, plus Rockstar Racing team mates and Briars Highland Fling victors, Dylan Cooper and Shaun Lewis.
While the challenge has enticed Australia’s elite mountain bikers, the field from across Australia will consist of everyday athletes keen to take in some of New South Wales most stunning scenery, while pushing their physical and mental endurance to the limits.
On Monday 5 March riders will catch Thredbo’s Kosciuszko Express chairlift to the top station at 1963m – just 5km from the highest point in Australia. It’s here the race begins….
Event organiser Huw Kingston:
“I’ve recently ridden some of the course and it’s looking spectacular. The battle this year will be fierce. It’s an exciting field. Many of Australia’s top riders have signed up to take on the challenge. It’s this, mixed with the inspirational stories that come from the rest of the riders in the pack, that make The Mountains To Beach an epic stage race.”
The Mountains To Beach stage race kicks off on Monday 5 – 9 March 2012.
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