Marathon makes the move to May

Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) along with the Townsville Rockwheelers MTB Club, is pleased to confirm the date and venue for the 2019 National Marathon Championships.

The event will be held from the 10th – 12th May at Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve in Townsville, Queensland.

It’s the third straight year the North Queensland city has hosted the event with support from Townsville Enterprise Limited, Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government.

MTBA CEO Shane Coppin has been encouraged by the interest the event has received from across the region.

“We have really enjoyed bringing a national championship to an area that is generating strong growth in mountain biking, and offers a unique North Queensland experience.”

“The trails around Douglas will once again test the legs of our best marathon riders from across the country, who we look forward to seeing again,” Coppin said.

Reigning Australian women’s champion Anna Beck said the course in Townsville had all the elements to really test out the best marathon riders in Australia.

“Townsville has a little bit of something for everyone, featuring a long climb for the mountain goats and oodles of single track including some technical descending. It’s a course that means the best all-round rider will take the cake.”

Townsville Rockwheelers’ Geoff Jordan said riders can expect some changes to next years course.

“With the help of Townsville City Council and James Cook University, the 2019 XCM course will feature some new and upgraded single track. The new start loop will wind through bushland behind the JCU Campus before entering into the extensive network of single-track trail within the Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve,” said Jordan

“Another major drawcard for 2019 will be the addition of a Gravity Enduro event.  Townsville has a thriving GE scene and we are keen to showcase our trails to visitors.”

More information in regard to the 2019 Townsville MTB Festival will be released closer to the event.

Source
Mountain Bike Australia