The Redback mountain bikers set to hit Alice

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p2265-mountain-bike-riderLETTER TO THE EDITOR
 
Sir – Close to 200 mountain bikers will descend on Alice Springs for The Redback, presented by Ingkerreke Commercial, Australia’s most legendary mountain bike stage race.
 
The event has been running for eight years and has seen a revamp this year with the new name The Redback and a condensed race format, providing four days and six stages of some of the most inspiring mountain biking the country has to offer.
 
Riders will be flying in from interstate over the next few days, coming from every state and territory in Australia as well as four international competitors, and racing commences on Thursday, August 20.
 
The six stages of The Redback are extremely varied, offering up stunning 40-50km cross country stages through to a 22km night race and a 300m climb up Alice Spring’s infamous Anzac Hill.
 
Reigning champion Ben Mather from Tasmania will be back to defend his title and James Downing from the ACT – who came third last year – will be returning for his third year in a row.
 
Rowena Fry from Tasmania won The Redback in 2013, then known as the Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro. She didn’t compete last year but will be back to contend the 2015 title, drawing on her extensive experience in cross country mountain biking.
 
Fry was the National XC Champion in 2009 and 2010 but will be up against from stiff competition this year including 3-time XC Australian Champion Holly Harris as well as consistent top performers Terri Rhodes and Anna Beck.
 
Competitor overview:
84% male, 16% female.
Oldest competitor is 72 (Gavin Brown from WA).
80% of competitors this year are new to the event.
Four live overseas – New Zealand, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
Every Australian state and territory is represented.
Victoria is sending the biggest contingent with 48 riders.
 
Erica Naughtin
Marketing and Communications Manager
 
 

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