Australia's biggest stage race about to start

The Cape to Cape MTB, Australia’s premium multi-stage endurance race, kicks off this week with an amazing field of over 1200 riders set for the challenge. The four day race is the ultimate endurance test, attracting riders from around Australia and across the world year after year.

Riders will gather in the beautiful South West on Thursday 22nd October for the highly anticipated – and most challenging – first stage of the race, starting at the iconic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Augusta. The Cape to Cape MTB is one of WA’s most successful home-grown events, first held in 2008 with a humble field of 120 participants. After only five years, the Cape to Cape MTB became Australia’s largest multi-stage mountain bike race.

Eight years on, it is now a permanent fixture on all mountain biking calendars across the world, attaching elite riders, nationally and internationally and a massive contingent of local lycra warriors. Every year, the event attracts a formidable field of elite riders from across Australia and the world. Olympians, World and National Champions have all raced for Cape to Cape MTB glory over the past eight years. 2014 Cape to Cape MTB and Port to Port MTB first place champion, Mark Tupalski, is returning to defend his title, after also coming second place at the National Marathon Championships in Derby, Tasmania.

Already with 8th place under his belt in 2013 Cape to Cape MTB, and a number of top 10’s in the National XCO series, is Nick Morgan. What Nick loves the most about Cape to Cape MTB is the rugged and challenging landscape of Margaret River. He is one of Cape to Cape MTB’s biggest fans, stating it’s a must for any MTBer. We are also excited to welcome back excitement machine and powerhouse Paul Van Der Ploeg. He is a definite force to be reckoned with, after recently winning the Cyclocross National Championships and showing us a powerful performance in last years’ event. One of the great highlights of Cape to Cape MTB is when the locals come along and watch the champions in action.

Held on Friday 23 October from 4pm, the Sundown Shootout is the perfect opportunity to gather around the berms to witness the thrills and jumps, all the while enjoying a beautiful summer evening. This year spectators will be treated to the aerial talents of UK freeride mountain biker Ricky Crompton. Finishing at the bottom of the epic Whoop Whoop trail within the Margaret River Pines network, this trail provides riders with two options; the racers can roast the berms and the freeriders can fly over the famous Whoop Whoop double jump. The 2015 Cape to Cape event will produce a highlights documentary to be distributed worldwide.