Next year will see riders tackle all new courses for the national series, which visits four states and one territory from April to August 2017.
MTBA CEO Shane Coppin said the enduro discipline continues to grow every year. “We are seeing so many more opportunities for riders and events to go to new trails and places, and it goes to show just how much this discipline is gaining momentum.”I think we are going to be in for an exciting year in enduro,” Coppin said.
Falls Creek will host the first round of the series on the 22-23 April. “The resort has spent the last four years developing 40km+ of single track trail, constructed by World Trail, and is seeing year on year increase in rider numbers.”
“There will be a shuttle service available for the practice day and heaps of fun and activities for everyone as it’s the mountain bike closing weekend.” said Marketing and Communication Manager, Jo Prothero.
Round two will head to Stromlo MTB Park, no stranger to hosting national series rounds in other disciplines.
In June the series heads over to the west coast where the crew from the Western Australia Gravity Enduro will host round three at Linga Longa. “Once again, we are very excited to showcase WA Gravity Enduro racing on the national stage and we are thrilled to take the event to a new regional location which will test competitors skills and endurance on a number of varying special stages.” said race director Steve Janiec.
“This event is not only one for the competitors, but spectators will also appreciate easy access and magnificent views across the valley.”
Four weeks later enduro racing will breathe life into Rockhampton, Queensland for the first time ever, for the penultimate round of the 2017 series on July 9. “Regional Queensland has a long history of staging some great mountain bike events such as the Mt Perry Mountain Cup, Cairns World Cup and the Townsville Paluma Push. The Rockhampton Enduro will add to this list.” said Event Management Solutions Managing Director Ian Harwood.
“Utilising the trails in the First Turkey Mountain Bike Park there will be a mix of some old natural and tech stages, mixed in with newer flow trails. This event is coming on the back of an announcement of a $500,000 commitment to trail development in the area which means that the sport is looking good in Central Queensland.”
The series returns to New South Wales for the fifth and final round at another new venue. “Woodford Island is full of natural features, rock gardens, step up and step downs and nice flowing trail. The stages are divided by a tar/gravel road, with stages running off either side of the mountain from the road”
“Each stage runs from 2.5 minutes to 3.5 minutes which we are aiming to extend for the event,” said White Lightning Events director Mark White.
Gravity Enduro National Series Rounds
GE National Series Rounds
Round 1 22/23 April 2017 Falls Creek Resort Falls Creek (VIC)
Round 2 20/21 May 2017 CORC Stromlo Forest Park (ACT)
Round 3 10/11 June 2017 WAGE Linga Longa (WA)
Round 4 8/9 July 2017 EMS Rockhampton (QLD)
Round 5 12/13 August 2017 WLE Woodford Island, North MacLean (NSW)