Interest cranking up
Smithfield considered for biking festival
ORGANISERS of the world’s most extreme and inclusive mountain biking festival are eyeing Cairns as the next stop on their international calendar, potentially as soon as 2019.
On the back of the Far North’s successful hosting of UCI World Cups and last year’s World Championships, Crankworx officials have visited the Smithfield trails and confirmed their interest in adding another top riding des- tination to their calendar. Negotiations are under way between Crankworx and state and local governments to realise Smithfield’s return to the world stage and the preference is for a multi-year deal.
Cairns mountain bike star Tracey Hannah is a regular at the Crankworx Rotorua carnival. The world tour also includes events in Austria, France and Canada, where the concept was born.
Crankworx project manager Nicole Freeman told the Cairns Post the organisation was interested in striking a deal to bring elite and recreational riders together in Cairns.
Unlike UCI events, Crankworx opens the doors to amateur riders from “Kidsworx” divisions through to the crowd-pleasing slopestyle, downhill and endurance categories as well as other on-site experiences with top athletes.
“The trail network in Cairns is a destination that attracts riders from around the world. We feel it offers world-class tracks that can challenge the top athletes as well as appeal to fans and recreational riders alike,” Ms Freeman said.
“The backdrop of a tropical rainforest is very unique.
“Crankworx seeks out riding destinations that will continue to be top riding destinations for years to come. We look for communities that can host Crankworx annually.”
Event Management Solutions Australia managing director Ian Harwood said negotiations were in their infancy, with more discussions needed between local and state government agencies to finalise appropriate funding.
“It is very early days in scoping of any possible events at the moment,” the 2017 UCI Cairns World Championships race director said. “We need to ensure that we can deliver the best possible event for the riders, industry and most importantly, the travelling spectators.
“Cairns has a long history of producing great riding experiences as well as great riders. When you combine that with a huge range of activities on the doorstep, Cairns is a great option for a festival event.”
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