HELLRAISING IN TASMANIA

Tasmania seems to be growing its trail network faster than men around Australia are growing facial hair, yet lately there seems to be a bit of a shortage of XC events to tempt riders down to the Apple Isle. Lucky for those who are XC inclined, 2017 happens to be an odd-numbered year, which meant it was time to grab a partner, book flights to Hobart and get a ticket to the Hellfire Cup.

The event village and campground (optional – there is cute farm accommodation available all over the place) is located in the area of Kellevie, about an hour’s drive from Hobart. Riders and racers quickly settle in to the relaxed and social atmosphere, supported by live entertainment, a Moo Brew beer tent, some great food options and a very friendly event team.

Over four days, riders (usually in teams of two, but you can go solo) tackle seven unique stages, which include the likes of team relays, an “adventure” stage or two, a team time trial, a hill climb challenge and some fast and furious XCO/XCC type courses. Most of the riding is on hand-cut, purist mountain bike trails built and maintained by the local community in partnership with MTN Trails. This year weather added an extra challenge, with early days wet, muddy and cold – which turned literally overnight into hot, sunny and dry.

Team Torq-Merida brought a strong contingent of riders and were rewarded with the spoils, with Tasman Nankervis and Ryan Standish winning the men’s crown, Holly Harris and Kathryn Mcinerney (Cycle Station) taking home the women’s honours, with the ever classy and always lovely partnership of Peta Mullens and Jarrod Moroni managing to hold off a strong mixed field.

With outstanding trails, simple logistics, beautiful event staff and guaranteed fun, put the Hellfire Cup with your bestie in the diary for 2019!