WE ARE THE WORLD STAGE

Winter has passed, and if you’re in the southern corners of the country this should be sweet relief. The end of winter tends to bring drier trails, more daylight, some proper warmth to the sunshine, new bikes and bits – and an increased amount of events on the calendar.

We’ve taken a look over a few new 2018 products in this issue, most notably the very impressive Intense Carbine. Damian Breach gave it a hiding and it came back for more. In his own words, he was having to ride differently as the bike was so fast. Don’t miss his review later on in this issue.

But the big thing on the horizon is the Mountain Bike World Championships in Cairns. They are here. After two successful World Cups in 2014 and 2016, the circus that is international mountain bike racing is coming to Australia. Well, the very northern tip of it anyway.

We’ve seen images of diggers out working on the trails, flights have filled up, accommodation is getting scarce – and everyone is looking to the long-range weather forecasts. Will it be muddy?

Will it be dry and blown out? Can Tracey Hannah capitalise on her season and win the World Championship on a home track? Can her brother Mick use his hometown advantage? Will Bec Henderson have the race she wants in Cairns, after her third place at the last World Cup on the course – and what about Dan McConnell – he’s been fourth here before!!

There is so much to watch, and just as much to do. But be sure of this - the eyes of the mountain biking world will be turned to Australia, and most importantly to Cairns, at the start of September. Everyone else gets to see our playground, and we get to live in it.

If you make it to Cairns, enjoy the spectacle – and enjoy this issue too.