On 15 February 2020, and for the first time ever in the Orange region, the Shimano Mountain Bike Grand Prix event will be held at Kinross State Forest, supported by the Orange City Council and under the patronage of the local Orange MTB Club. This event will be a highlight on the race calendars of the active local mountain bike community and will attract elite and casual race competitors and visitors from across NSW and the ACT.
With the Shimano MTB GP Australia’s largest private mountain bike events promoter Rocky Trail Entertainment will be hosting a race in Orange for the first time in the 12-year history of the series, which will offer 10 events across NSW, in the ACt and QLD. SHIMANO Cycling Australia has been the principal sponsor since the series was founded and with strong support from the cycling industry has grown to one of the major cross-country endurance racing series in Australia.
“We are proud that the Shimano MTB GP series is known to be the most inclusive mountain bike series in Australia. From the first time between the tape to racers that have spent a lifetime training for power output, they will all enjoy lining up at the Rocky Trail start line in Orange,” says Race Director Bob Morris. The Rocky Trail Event Manager added that participants will be able to race solo or in teams for four or seven hours alongside Australia’s elites and experienced endurance racers and said that the event offered classic cross-country lap racing at its best.
Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd said the community of Orange is keen to welcome mountain bike enthusiasts to Orange in the new year.
“Orange has a growing reputation for hosting events for the cycling community” Cr Reg Kidd said. “An event like this will attract competitors and spectators from across the state.”
“The beauty of a weekend in Orange is that there’s so much to do between events. Whether it’s a visit to a local vineyards, a relaxed meal at a cafe or a browse around the shops, families coming to Orange in February have many options.”
“Other events held last year at Kinross forest and at Mt Canobolas attracted riders from all over NSW and interstate. All the feedback was very positive. I have had much pleasure for a number of years going to watch events at Kinross Forest event. I’m looking forward to the February race series, which I will not miss.”
Orange region to host Rocky Trail racers
The event will take place at trail networks in the Kinross State Forest, which is located just five minutes out of town. “What makes this venue so special and a perfect fit for the 2020 season opener is that this venue is so unique – the quality of the trail network in the pine forests has been well-known in the mountain bike community and thanks to input from the local club we will use every bit of terrain on offer to truly showcase the amazing mix of pine forest and native vegetation that surrounds the event centre at Kinross”, Morris explained.
Orange City Council’s Sport & Recreation Committee chair Cr Jason Hamling is delighted Orange is hosting the ‘Rocky Trail’ event.
“It’s the first time Orange has secured a leg of this series and it makes sense for Orange City Council is supporting the event,” Cr Jason Hamling said. “It’s a sport that is growing rapidly and the Kinross forest has some excellent trails that will test the skills of riders of all levels. This is an event that will casual weekend riders rub shoulders with elite performers, so there’ll be a lot for spectators to enjoy.”
Rocky Trail Entertainment is encouraging its visiting racers to spend the weekend away and explore the Orange region with its variety of hotels, pubs and experiences to recover from the race and to escape the everyday grind. Local businesses who want to promote their offers to the cycling visitors on the event weekend are encouraged to contact the Event Promoter via email to cycle@rockytrailentertainment.com as the event offers a free local business listing with special offers for event participants. Supporter and sponsorship inquiries are welcome.
For more information, visit the Shimano MTB GP website.
The Orange event web portal will be populated with visitor and more detailed race information in coming weeks via the event website.
Event contacts for the Shimano MTB GP in Orange:
- Bob Morris, Race Director and Event Manager | bob@rockytrailentertainment.com
- Jo Parker, Event Manager | jo@rockytrailentertainment.com
Photos: OuterImage.com.au
Photos may be used for free for coverage of this media release and Rocky Trail events only. Please contact Juliane Wisata via juliane@rockytrailentertainment.com for more information or resources.
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