Dwellingup 100 to host MTBA XCM National Championships

The endurance racing fans around Australia had been left wondering where the 2020 Australian Cross-Country Marathon National Championships would be held – and when. And on Wednesday 11th March, Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) announced that the race would be held in conjunction with the Dwellingup 100 on September 12.

With the last editions being held in Redlands, QLD at the Bayview Blast in 2019, Townsville in 2018 and 2017, Derby in 2015 and 2016, Mt Joyce, QLD in 2014 and Atherton, QLD in 2013, Mt Stromlo in 2012 and Mt Joyce in 2011, the decision to have the race attached to a current marathon race is one that should be applauded. The 2019 XCM National Championships were just one part of a weekend full of racing at the Bayview Blast last June, with the Championship events being a great chance for younger riders and locals to see the nation's best do what they do. This will also be the first time a National mountain bike title will be contested in Western Australia.

So with about 1000 riders competing in one of the range of distances at the Dwellingup 100 each year, having the full distance race deciding the national title is a great move. Australia has a lot of great marathon racers, and using long standing events to attach to event to makes more sense than trying to put on a stand alone event.

The course will take in two different loops, departing from the lap based races that have decided the Marathon National Champion since at least 2011. Entries aren't open yet, but keep an eye on the event website, and if you want more details on the riding in Dwellingup – just grab our current issue!