The 2009/2010 National Series will now be totally managed by MTBA. At last weekend’s MTBA Management Committee approval was reached to introduce a new look National Series. This is a significant departure from the model MTBA has used previously where MTBA’s involvement in the delivery of the National round was simply at race level.
Tony Scott, MTBA’s Executive Officer said, "The National Series is the premier race circuit for Australia’s aspiring international riders to come and test themselves against Australia’s best. While the racing in the previous series was widely acclaimed as the best yet, the glitz that surrounds the Series needs to reflect the importance of National level racing with a consistent ‘look and feel’. Our aim in this shift in delivery for the National Series is to bring all the shiny things that add to everyone’s experience at the race – the things that turn a race into an event – to each and every round in a consistent fashion. MTBA is in the best position to do this while still offering a financial incentive to the hosting venue."
He added, "The XC racing will get even better with the addition of a national enduro series. And there will be a re-focus on the Olympic Cross Country as the showcase for the Elite, U23 and U19 riders, together with the emerging talent under 17s. DH, which has been the jewel of Australian MTB racing, will largely remain the same with some small changes being planned – but nothing too radical."
"While there will still be a focus on venues that can provide for both XC and DH (and 4X), the new look series will allow for single XC or DH venues", he added.
Link: Mountain Bike Australia
