Official press release: WORLD CLASS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDERS LINE UP
In a World first, the North-East town of Tasmania, Derby, will stage the inaugural round of the Asia-Pacific Continental Enduro Series across 10-11 November 2018. The showcase event will also be round 2 of the Shimano Enduro Tour, which will play host to a stacked field of elite riders including the current World Champion Sam Hill.
The Asia-Pacific Continental Series will allow riders to gain world ranking points into the 2019 Enduro World Series. The Continental series, which runs across four races in Australia and New Zealand, culminates with the crowning of the Asia-Pacific Enduro Champions in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 16 February 2019. In the Asia Pacific series the top three riders in each category, per event, automatically progress onto the Enduro World Series reserve listing. With the Enduro World Series coming back to Tasmania in 2019, these top three positions at The Asia-Pacific Continental Series are going to be hotly contested, not only in Derby but across the series.
Sam Hill, who recently was crowned the Enduro World Series Champion for the second time in Finale Italy, will line up for battle in Derby. Hill, an Enduro mountain biker specialist and former professional downhill racer, remains mountain bikes most exciting athletes. The flat pedal rider from Australia will once again show us his talent and form in Derby.
Wyn Masters, riding from team GT-Shimano, is looking forward to the weekend of racing ahead in Derby. “I am looking forward to some good rides on these epic trails as it was a wee bit wet last time I raced here. I am keen to see how I go on the Continental Series,” said Masters.
Local Tasmanian athlete Rowena Fry is currently on a winning streak and currently dominating the elite women’s Enduro field in Australia. Fry recently took out the first round of the Shimano Enduro Tour on the Gold Coast and claimed victory in the National Round last weekend in Adelaide. “It’s been a good start to the Enduro season for me with Gold Coast and National Champs in Fox Creek. The social aspect of the sport alone has toned down the seriousness and creates a really fun weekend on and off the bike. Next weekend will be fun racing on and showcasing my local Derby trails. It will be a great rehearsal for the EWS round next year. I have come into the 2018 Enduro season with some success. Mixing up my mountain bike disciplines between cross country to Enduro has allowed me to enjoy racing again by bringing the ‘fun’ back into my training. The social aspect of the sport alone has toned down the seriousness and creates a really fun weekend on and off the bike. Next weekend should be great fun and I am motivated as ever to gain some EWS qualifying points and fingers crossed keep up my recent winning streak,” Fry said.
Shimano Australia are thrilled to partner with the Asia-Pacific Continental Series. “Shimano Australia is excited to see the progression of Enduro in the local market driven by the success of the Enduro World Series. With the Shimano Enduro Tour Australian riders have the opportunity not only to progress to the next level but also to enjoy racing in some of the best locations in the country. With Event Management Solutions (EMS) Australia, we have a partner who are able to deliver a World Class experience for all riders. Good luck to all riders racing next weekend in Derby and we look forward to seeing you in Mt Buller for the final round,” said Shimano Australia Brand Manager Toby Shingleton.
With around 300 competitors, the township of Derby, Tasmania, will be transformed into a hive of mountain bike activity. The event will be free to spectators with Tasmania’s with plenty of activity on offer throughout the town.
Pre-entering this event is vital and entries close this Wednesday. That said, entries are currently still open for all levels of racing across the weekend, including the Challenge category. This category is a shortened more relaxed version of the main categories. So go on, get cracking and sign up today for what promises to be an incredible weekend of racing! Enter online here
Race Schedule
Friday November 9
All day ‘unofficial’ riding practice on all race trails.
7:30pm Shimano XTR’ivia Night – Derby town hall Trivia night with beer, Shimano gear and an EWS Tasmania entry to be won.
Saturday November 10
7:00am – 9:00am Women’s only social ride
9:00am – 4:00pm Registration – race village
9:00am – 3:00pm Official Practice: Blue Derby Trails
3:00pm – 4:30pm Enduro E-Bike Race Blue Derby Trails
9:00am – 3:00pm – Expo village
• Shimano e-bike demo’s
• Intense bike demo’s
• Krush bike wash station
• Dharco Clothing
Sunday November 11
9:00am Racing – Riders depart from Derby race village (no shuttling)
3:00pm Presentations and after party, Dorset Hotel
The official course map (6 race stages!) has just been published and can be accessed at www.emsaustralia.net.au/events/shimanoendurotour/