Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park off and racing

The trails of Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park which survived Cyclone Ita are now set to weather a storm of cyclists, with the fourth round of Cycling Australia’s Cross Country Marathon to be held this Anzac Day.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the marathon in the lead up to the World Cup event in Cairns would put the Mountain Bike Park on the map, as part of the Newman Government’s election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy.

“This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the work already done at the park, with $430,000 of Queensland Government funding helping to deliver almost 40 kilometres of high-quality single trail,” Mr Dickson said.

“When the network is completed in 2016, there will be more than 60km of trail with an entrance near the main street of Atherton which is a huge ecotourism drawcard for the region.”

“This is a fantastic example of the Queensland Government’s commitment to opening up our national parks and state forests for recreation while protecting our natural heritage.”

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Area Manager Andrew Millerd said QPWS was working in partnership with Tableland Cycle Sports and Cycling Australia to make the event possible.

“Most of the trails stood up to the heavy rain from Cyclone Ita very well and we expect they’ll be in top shape for the event,” Mr Millerd said.

“The Tablelands Classic event is open to a wide range and class of mountain bike riders, and is a great chance to experience the State Forest trails before the World Cup event at Smithfield Regional Park on 26 and 27 April.”

Tableland Cycle Sports president Mr Mark Knowles said the Classic was a great event for the Atherton Tableland.

“It’s a fantastic lead-in to the World Cup and gives riders from the local area and Australia wide an opportunity to experience Atherton’s world-class trails,” Mr Knowles said.

“It is great to see the success of the joint effort being made by the club, QPWS and local council to have these trails built in the State Forest. Local, national and even international riders who have tried the AFMBP continually rave about the ride experience, the views and quality of the trails.”

More information about Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park is at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/herberton-range/index.html

[ENDS] 22 April 2014                                         Media Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647