Mountain bike champions ride into Mount Joyce

More than 100 of Australia’s best mountain bike riders will descend on Mount Joyce Recreation Park in the picturesque Scenic Rim today for the 2014 Subaru Australian Cross Country Marathon Championships.
 
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said today’s event put into gear a marathon month of mountain bike action, culminating in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Cairns on 26-27 April.

“The 2014 Subaru Australian Cross Country Marathon Championships is a great opportunity to profile the Scenic Rim and delivers on the Government’s election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy,” Ms Stuckey said. 

“Mountain biking is a Commonwealth Games and Olympic sport. Hosting the National Championship and World Cup events further demonstrates Queensland’s ability to host world-class sporting events ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.  

“Securing exclusive events such as the 2014 Subaru Australian Cross Country Marathon Championships and the 2014 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, generates repeat visitation to Queensland destinations, in line with our 20-year plan for tourism, Destination Success.

“The Scenic Rim is a truly stunning region and events like this support our target of doubling overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.”

Member for Beaudesert Jon Krause said the event was a great opportunity to showcase the region to athletes and their supporters.

“The Newman Government recognises sport tourism as a major contributor to Queensland’s economy and I am excited to see this event being held on the mountain bike courses around Wyaralong Dam, further developing the recreational use of the Wyaralong Dam area,” Mr Krause said.

This event consists of three races for elite men, women and all-age-groups which will challenge riders along the full Mt Joyce marathon course of 72 kilometres.  A half marathon race of 48 kilometres is open to anyone wanting to participate over a shorter distance.

Course manager Hayden Lester said the course layout had been carefully designed to showcase the best trails that the Mount Joyce Recreation Park has to offer.

“Reigning Australian XCM national champion Jason English will be participating and is eager to defend his title today when he lines up against an elite field of competitors,” Mr Lester said.

[ENDS] 6 April 2014

Media Contacts:
Minister’s Office - Natalie Wynne 0439 291 268
Tourism and Events Queensland – 07 3535 5474
Cycling Australia – Ben Godkin 0421 317 708