Thomas River challenge is here
On the men’s front an interesting battle may be on the cards between Jonty Rosenstrauch and Jason Peach. Rosenstrauch finished third and Peach fourth in last year’s race and the two have competed against each other many times, so it should be an interesting tussle.
Last year’s champ, Jason Meaton, has not yet confirmed his entry but if he is there, he will definitely be one of the favourites.
Defending women’s champ Lara Ann-Everts van der Venter will be a clear favourite to retain her title, but there should be a few other challenges on the day.
“With Jason Reed [who finished second last year] down with tickbite fever the favourites are Peach and Rosenstrauch,” explained race organiser John Potter.
“In the ladies race Lara Ann-Everts van der Venter has Shannon Kirkhoff close behind.”
A host of courses are mapped out for the day, with four other distances available alongside the main event.
The marathon course (60km) qualifies for provincial points and has something for everyone, from single tracking and steep up-and-down hills to river crossings and speed sections, as well as some long grass and rocks. It is a new route, completely different from last year, and should be very exciting.
The 40km half marathon will be an exciting ride for a moderately fit person and also qualifies for provincial points.
The 19km fun ride is an enjoyable saunter for anyone who does not want to tackle the marathon courses and contains some easy technical sections. It is also all on new ground. The 12km fun ride is aimed at the young, the novice and the not-so-fit, while the 5km fun ride is for kids entering their first “big” race.
A kiddies chocolate race is also available on the day and kids may enter riding anything with wheels.
Adding to the action will be three trail runs of 5km, 10km and 20km, which should bring out those not so keen on getting on a bike.
In all, a large entry field is expected and plenty of fun will be had.
“Everything is going smoothly,” said Potter.
“At the moment we have well over 200 riders and 70 runners, but my guess is that we will double those numbers.
“It will be exciting as always, but especially with a largely new course where John Gary [Wardle] and Erik [Egeland] have incorporated lots of what they saw when they rode Berg & Bush.”
There is a strong family vibe to the event, with a whole weekend set out on the cards for anyone interested in staying before and after the race.
With all the other attractions it is great for families and at Thomas River there is something for everyone,” enthused Potter.
“Especially for the ladies, the library has a huge collection of old magazines from 40 or more years ago, when girls wore up to seven petticoats.
“Then there is a collection of old cars and horse-drawn carts.
“For the dust monkeys there is a off-road scrambler ride in the afternoon on Saturday.”
The action gets under way at 8am tomorrow morning, with prize-giving scheduled for 2pm.