Sport
23 July, 2024
All trails lead to Elevate
ONE of North Queensland’s biggest events will be hitting the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike tracks again, attracting cyclists from across the country to the region.
The Elevate XCM is an 8-hour mountain bike cross-country race, is set to return to Atherton on Saturday, 3 August and promises an adrenaline-packed day for both solo riders and teams of two, three, or four participants.
The race will kick off on a permanently marked course, blending green and blue-rated trails to test the skills and endurance of all competitors.
Each lap covers approximately 11.5km, winding through the rugged and scenic terrain that Atherton is renowned for.
Tablelands Cycle Sports president Bret Piccone said the event was one of the most “iconic” in Australia and was keen to welcome competitors and spectators to the park for the big day.
“We try and make it appeal to everyone, from the hardcore racers to the ones who want to have a little fun and give it a go,” he said.
“We have some of those solo racers who will do the eight hours none stop ... and altogether we will have around 300 riders.”
Friday, 2 August, marks the beginning of the event activities, with race registration and plate/rego pack collection starting at 3pm.
For those unable to make it on Friday, registration will also be open from 6am on race day (3 August).
A mandatory race briefing will take place at 8.30am, followed by the race start at 9am sharp.
Post-race celebrations will kick off on Saturday night, featuring an array of food vans, live music, and a selection of beers and refreshments. The evening will also include random prize giveaways, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the festivities.
On Sunday, it’s the kid’s turn to get on the track for KidEvate Social Sun(fun)day, kicking off from 9.30am.
The young riders will have their own marked course with fun obstacles around the pit area. Every participant will receive a prize and a custom-designed number plate.
Additionally, a Ladies' Social ride is set for 11am, starting from the Gun Club or with an optional shuttle to the top of the access road.
TCS Inc. will also provide a shuttle service from Ricochet car park for runs of the Rico and Yahoo trails between 11am and 2pm. A $5 fee per person per shuttle will apply.
Participants are invited to set up their pit marquees either on Friday, 2 August, or on Saturday morning before the race commences.
For those looking to stay close to the action, limited free camping spots are available at the Rifle Club adjacent to the Gun Club. These spots are expected to fill quickly, so early arrival is recommended.
Organisers are encouraging all mountain biking enthusiasts to register early to secure their spot in what promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable event. To register, visit https://entryboss.cc/races/19200
