Bye Bye Atherton. Hello Derby - XC Marathon champs find new home

Australian Cross Country Marathon Mountain Bike Championships Head to Derby Tasmania for the Next Two Years

Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) is pleased to announce that the Australian Cross Country Marathon Mountain Bike Championships will be heading to Derby in Tasmania for the next two years.

In an exciting joint venture, MTBA will partner with Dorset Council and Launceston Mountain Bike Club to deliver the premiere Marathon event in Australia.

The exciting venue will provide a challenging yet highly enjoyable course on some of the best trails in Australia.

Formed ten years ago, Launceston Mountain Bike club has over 250 members and boasts former National Champion and Australian representative rider Rowena Fry as just one of their many talented riders.

The club’s team includes those involved with the highly successful Blue Dragon Mountain Bike Challenge, bringing significant local event experience to the Championships.

Winning riders at the event will be crowned National Champions and will be presented with the coveted Green and Gold jersey.

The Australian Championships are also a key qualifying criteria for our riders to be named on the Australian team for the annual UCI Marathon World Championships.

“Tasmania has a great range of exhilarating trails and mountain bike challenges for riders” said Mr Shane Coppin, Executive Officer of MTBA.

“It is thrilling to bring a National Championships to a town with historical interest and I am confident this will bring some special character to the event.”

The trail network at Derby in North East Tasmania is currently being constructed by renowned trail builders World Trail.

World Trail Director Glen Jacobs said “Mountain bikers throughout Australia may not have heard of Derby yet, but I can guarantee by this time next year, it will be on everybody’s wish list as a ride destination.

“The first stage is due for opening this December, right on time for this major iconic event to come to town.

“This is perfect timing and a great way to showcase to the world the stunning scenery and uniqueness of the Derby trails.”

The 2015 Australian Cross Country Marathon Mountain Bike Championships will be held on the weekend of 16th & 17th May 2015.

Online entry and all information will be available shortly via www.mtba.asn.au

Image : Buck Gibson