Canberra will host a three day mountain bike festival at Stromlo Forest Park from the 19 – 21 November. The highlight race will be the Rocky Trail Mountain Bike Grand Prix on Saturday, which marks the fourth and final round in the series with over 400 riders expected to line up in the four hour or eight hour race.
The eight hour event has attracted a strong contingent from Sydney. Top chances in the solo male category are Marty Strozik and Jon Odams looking like they will make the ride tough for each other. The withdrawal of last year’s winner and current second place overall, Michael Crummy, will leave the door open for another podium contender.
Dominating in the women’s eight hour series is world 24 hour silver medallist, Katrin van der Spiegel. If Van der Spiegel is still recovering from her 24 hour ‘hit out’ she could leave the door open for closest rival, Lana Moy.
In the four hour series it could be a tussle between Ben Fillingham and Sebastian Jayne from Mudgee. Current leader of the women’s series, Emily May will have to fend off Lauren Rennick to claim the overall crown.
The Rocky Trail Mountain Bike Crown Festival will have supporting events such as the Twilight Cross Country race on Friday evening and guided tours and a social charity and kids ride on Sunday. The major focus on Sunday will be on a special charity ride known as Pedal4Pierce.
The ride is the brainchild of young 12 year old Christopher from Canberra who wanted to help fund research for children like 5 year old Pierce affected by Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD). Christopher was aware that there were children like Pierce who would not get the opportunity to do things like ride a bike.
Rocky Trail event organizers, Juliane and Martin Wisata, said they had been on the look out for a charity that they could support and really make a difference. “We were just so impressed at how this had started as Christopher’s idea and how it was all about cycling.” Juliane said. “What a great idea and he has set up his own course at Stromlo. With Christopher we are keen to get the Pedal4Pierce event raising money for a great cause.”
Pedal4Pierce managed to raise $ 10300 from rider sponsorships in 2009 and this year the event is hoping to get more riders and increase their target.
For more information on how to support Pedal4Pierce and to register for the charity ride or the Rocky Trail MTB Crown events, including the 4 Hour or 8 Hour race, log onto: www.rockytrailentertainment.com
Rocky Trail MTB Crown this weekend
