ROCKY TRAIL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF THE SHIMANO MTB GP SERIES
The Shimano MTB GP Series is a staple on the NSW endurance event calendar, and in 2019 the series turns 10. With a range of events from enduro, downhill, 12-hour events, charity events, school events, women’s only events, timing for club racing and more, we spoke to Rocky Trail’s Juliane Wisata about how the Shimano MTB GP fits in.
“The Shimano MTB GP has always been our XC base of events, thinking back I see so many faces flash up at the start lines - riders who started as teenagers and are now competing on a national and international level and it is so rewarding that we can accompany so many riders on parts of their riding career - be it a hobby or professional path. The developments, growth and enthusiasm of our riders is what fuels our passion really. We think racing will always be popular, however, we have made and still make a point of constantly evolving our events concept to adapt it to what riders want and to make it better.”
Rockly Trail have had a long relationship with Shimano, backing the series and prizes. This would be one of the longest lasting partnerships we’ve seen in event sponsorship.
“We are so thankful to the management of Shimano Cycling Australia as they were one of the first companies to support us when we started our business. They entrusted us with their brand and we don’t take this responsibility lightly,” said Juliane. “we are proud that the Shimano staff and often top management as well race themselves at our events and that they send so many of their sponsored athletes as well.”
That’s just some of the mix at their events, which pull in riders of all abilities.
“Whilst we always get some well-known semipros and pros who like to race with us for fun and to train or race on their local trails, the majority of the racing field is there to have fun, to achieve a personal challenge and yes, they do race hard, no doubt about it, however, we offer an inclusive and friendly atmosphere as the backdrop for the sports achievements.”
Like many events in Australia, the trails can really make the experience, and Juliane said there is a clear standout for the series, when it comes to the biggest drawcard trail location.
“From day one, Stromlo Forest Park has been one of the most popular venues - when you look at rider numbers the large MTB community in Canberra definitely plays a role in that.” But special mentions go to Glenrock and Wingello, both firm favourites for NSW based riders.
The racing across their 4 and 7 hour events can get pretty hot, literally and figuratively. And while the 4 hour events are the most popular, Juliane thinks the best battle she has seen in the races has been one of the most recent ones at Nowra.
“We had Kyle Ward at the start line and right away Central Coast’s Mitch Lozinski was on his wheel and an epic battle unfolded. They both were surprised by the relatively flat course that didn’t offer much rest and they kept fighting each other right until the end, both almost collapsing and then high-fiving each other at the finish line.”
The 2019 Shimano MTB GP series starts in April at Mt Stromlo, with events at Glenrock, Wingello, Nowra, Ourimbah and Awaba. Get more details online.