Bone of contention. The National Champs XCO course.

Whether it's the impending storms, the sizeable rock gardens, the track length or the harsh climbs, those around the internet have had their say but just what do those in the paddock think of the track before them?

Adrian Jackson (Elite Men)
It's definitely a course for the climbers with such a long steep climb, this is obviously where it will be won or lost. The descent is technical but probably won't make much difference to the outcome. Unless it rains for the race, in which case all bets are off and it will be the fastest runner who wins!

Tristan Ward (U23's)

The course this year is a tough one that's for sure! With about 7min of climbing and 4min of descending it's quite a short one too. The technical aspects of the course are great, well built and challenging for the elite but it does miss out on B lines that are suitable for Jr's. The climb is just steep, there's not much more to it. If it rains it will be very hard for anyone as the track will be more or less un-rideable. At the end of the day, the best riders will win I'm sure.As for what I personally think about it, it is the worst track and venue for national champs I have ever been too ( last 5 years ).  If it wasn't it would be at the best venue for nationals.. with toilets and food within a short drive for spectators. I don't understand how mtba have got it so wrong, compared to last years Championships in Bright, it is disappointing to see such a downfall in quality and consideration of the venue. All MTBA members pay for a service and this service has been heavily compromised for 2017. Leaving the mountain bike community and myself questioning the value of this racing.

Ben Metcalf (U19's)

I think the track itself is fun yet challenging however it will be interesting to see how the track handles the tropical downpours. In regard to the race venue itself, it is a disappointment compared to previous years such as Bright, the venue was well set up, had adequate facilities and was within a few kilometres from town centre, whereas the 2017 venue is a 1 hour drive from the Gold Coast.

Mark Tupalski (Elite Men)

The track is best described as full on. There isn't a climb on it that's not steep and the descents are fast with plenty to keep you on your toes. It's such a short track that there isn't much chance to rest anywhere so pacing will be more important than most courses.

Ben Henderson (Elite Men)

I'd say it's a true athletes course. The climbing will push the limits of absolutely everyone and the decent is tough enough to either claw back some time or extend a gap on your opposition. The climbing is like no other XC race course I have done some Thredbo in the early 2000's.

Michael Potter (U23's)
The track here for national championships in Canungra is quite old school in the fact that its straight up and down. With steep long climbing and fast technical descending it has a bit of everything and should produce a very worthy champion.

Bec Henderson (Elite Women)
​I think the course is pretty tough and will definitely sort us all out – there is nowhere to hide on the course so the strongest and fittest rider will win. It'll be interesting to see how it rides (or walks) in the wet – tyre choice could prove to be crucial!

Peter Lister (Masters 3)

True Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde Course. You need to go up like gecko and descent like a demon. On some rock gardens you'd wish for a Enduro'ish Jeckyl, and there's definitely no place for a roadie to hide. On the practice lap, hero dirt 1st half. Downpour. Mudcake with slippery icing. The diversity of terrain, broad spectrum of weather, bike technology, physical fitness and bike handling all intertwine to create the stories that are told about Nat Champs 2017.

Troy Garth (Expert Men)
The climbs are only just bearable because of the few rests on the way up but it's all worth it once you round the top corner and shoot downhill. Even then though your not out of the woods, the advantage shifts from the riders with the most stamina to the riders with the best technical ability. Overall it's a rewarding and fun track to ride and I'm excited to race it!

Tasman Nankervis (U23's) 
For elite level riders I actually think this is an awesome course! It will certainly bring out the strongest riders both technically and physically, but I think for the young takkers more needs to be done with easier  B lines or alternate courses just to make it less daunting. Either way Sunday will produce good racing!!

Holly Harris (U23's)
Track is really tough but enjoyable! A different sort of course then what we have had previously, I think it will suit the best all round mountain bikers. Hopefully it stays nice and tacky, it'll be pretty wild in the wet. Good luck to all the riders and event managers, it's definitely not going to be an easy weekend!

Cam Ivory (Elite Men)
I think it's a tough but great track. The long and gruelling climb will definitely allow gaps to form in the field. I like the drops and rocky chutes on the downhill, but it will be difficult to recover ready for the climb on the next lap. No matter what the weather, it will be an exciting race across all categories!

Daniel McConnell (Elite Men)
The course for Nationals this year is a tough one with very little recovery. The climb is super steep but also long so it's important to find your rhythm quickly. Once at the top it's pretty fast to come back down but with so much off camber it will be quite easy to over cook it in some of the corners.

Possibly one of the hardest race tracks this year with the steep climbing but depending on the  weather there is some time to get back on the descent which will make for tough racing.