Australia’s pioneer mountain bike marathon, the Flight Centre Cycle Epic, has been extended this year following repairs to the traditional course which was damaged during the January 2011 floods.
The 10th staging of the Epic at Spicers Hidden Vale in the Lockyer Valley, just west of Brisbane, is being held on the weekend of September 15-16.
Race organisers expect more than 1500 riders to compete in the various events and many more people to attend the 10th anniversary event.
The highlight of the Epic weekend is the 87km marathon on Sunday, September 16. The event has been won over the years by some of the biggest names in Australian mountain biking.
Merida Flight Centre teammates Adrian Jackson and Jason English shared a dead-heat first place in last year’s men’s Epic, while national champion Jenni King took out a hotly contested women’s event.
Event organiser and track builder Hayden Brooks said the main Epic course would be 87km this year after being reduced from the traditional 104km to 75km last year due to flood damage.
“We lost quite a lot of the trails last year due to the floods but a great deal of restoration work has been done over the past 12 months,” Mr Brooks said.
“There will be a lot more single track on this year’s course and we’re getting a great response from riders already training on the tracks. Those who have registered for the Epic can ride the Spicers Hidden Vale tracks for free leading up to the event.”
But the Epic weekend is not just for pros.
The weekend has multiple events and activities beyond the 87km marathon, including the 50km Merida Pursuit, the 20km Spicers Chaser, Mini and Minor Epics for children, plus a brand new Family Fun Ride suitable for the entire family.
“There’s now something for the whole family, where children can challenge their parents and even their grandparents,” Mr Brooks said.
“Three of my daughters race in the various events and they’re all aged under 12. They’re more competitive than me!
“We’ve also seen increased interest from corporate groups challenging each other – it should be a fun weekend for everyone.”
Epic participants who register for this year’s event by July 31 will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount off their entry fees.
The Flight Centre Cycle EPIC is on 15-16 September at Spicers Hidden Vale located at Grandchester, about 55 minutes’ drive from Brisbane.
For more information about the Epic or to register for the event go to http://www.cycleepic.com.au/
The 10th staging of the Epic at Spicers Hidden Vale in the Lockyer Valley, just west of Brisbane, is being held on the weekend of September 15-16.
Race organisers expect more than 1500 riders to compete in the various events and many more people to attend the 10th anniversary event.
The highlight of the Epic weekend is the 87km marathon on Sunday, September 16. The event has been won over the years by some of the biggest names in Australian mountain biking.
Merida Flight Centre teammates Adrian Jackson and Jason English shared a dead-heat first place in last year’s men’s Epic, while national champion Jenni King took out a hotly contested women’s event.
Event organiser and track builder Hayden Brooks said the main Epic course would be 87km this year after being reduced from the traditional 104km to 75km last year due to flood damage.
“We lost quite a lot of the trails last year due to the floods but a great deal of restoration work has been done over the past 12 months,” Mr Brooks said.
“There will be a lot more single track on this year’s course and we’re getting a great response from riders already training on the tracks. Those who have registered for the Epic can ride the Spicers Hidden Vale tracks for free leading up to the event.”
But the Epic weekend is not just for pros.
The weekend has multiple events and activities beyond the 87km marathon, including the 50km Merida Pursuit, the 20km Spicers Chaser, Mini and Minor Epics for children, plus a brand new Family Fun Ride suitable for the entire family.
“There’s now something for the whole family, where children can challenge their parents and even their grandparents,” Mr Brooks said.
“Three of my daughters race in the various events and they’re all aged under 12. They’re more competitive than me!
“We’ve also seen increased interest from corporate groups challenging each other – it should be a fun weekend for everyone.”
Epic participants who register for this year’s event by July 31 will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount off their entry fees.
The Flight Centre Cycle EPIC is on 15-16 September at Spicers Hidden Vale located at Grandchester, about 55 minutes’ drive from Brisbane.
For more information about the Epic or to register for the event go to http://www.cycleepic.com.au/