Since the first mountain bike riders hurtled down the iconic Crystal Cascades trail in the late 80’s, Cairns has been arguably touted as ‘The Birthplace of Mountain Biking in Australia’. In 1996 Cairns was thrust into the global spotlight when the region hosted the World Mountain Bike Championships – which ended up going down in MTB folk law as one of the best races ever. Now, just over 20 years later, World Championship Racing is returning to Cairns this September!
The event is promising to be totally ‘next level’ with over 300 of the fastest riders representing over 35 countries, as a spectator this race is certainly not to be missed. Besides watching the World’s fastest riders making history on the tracks, Cairns has sooo much more to do and see and experience whilst you’re in town. Tell your boss that you’re taking a full week off work and book your flights to Cairns today! To ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the action we have put together a handy visitor’s guide so that you can make the most of your trip!
“One of the most unique things about Cairns for mountain bikers is that you have accessibility to world cup level trails only 20 minutes from the CBD. There is a huge local MTB community out on the trails so there are riders that are happy to show you around. And then once you’ve finished riding for the day you can go and cool off with a swim in a mountain stream or at the beach. It’s mountain biking paradise! The region promotes the perfect climate for riders to ride all-year round without the need for lift passes or renting expensive chalet accommodation”.
The race venue
One of the coolest things about the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships is that the race is going to be held on the same hill, and raced on the same tracks (albeit it with a few modern tweaks and updates) as was raced way back in ’96. The event village will once again be held at Smithfield Regional Park, behind the James Cook University Campus.
If you’re heading to the race via car, paid parking will be available at the James Cook University Campus, however spaces are limited. Spectators are encouraged to car pool, catch public transport, walk or cycle to the event.
Race schedule
Riders and spectators alike will get their first taste of action Tuesday 5th September when ‘official training’ out on the race courses begins. With downhill, XC and team XC competitions being held all week long the daily schedules are stacked indeed. To ensure you don’t miss any of the action be sure to familiarize yourself with the official schedule via www.mtbworldscairns.com.au
Where to stay
Tropical North Queensland is of course a major tourist destination, which means there is no shortage of accommodation options throughout the region. If you’re planning to attend the World Champs event village each day, or you’re simply interested in heading up for a riding holiday with mates or the family then we’d recommend basing your stay in one of the towns just north of Cairns. That way you’ll be central to the easiest access to most of the best riding areas. Town’s such as Palm Cove and Trinity Beach are ideal places to stay. The Tropical North Queensland Tourism website is a great resource for information about where to stay as well as pretty much anything else you’d like to know about the region: www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Getting to Cairns
Cairns is positioned at the top right hand corner of Oz, depending on where you live, or how keen you are on driving, Cairns is nothing more than a short highway cruise away. Alternatively you could skip the 4000km drive from Melbourne (each way) and catch a flight instead. Cairns has an international airport and all of the major airlines run several flights in and out each day, and prices are really reasonable if you book a little in advance. The airport is located just 10mins from the CBD, and about the same distance to the World Champs race venue in Smithfield.
Places to ride whilst you’re in town
This part of the world isn’t known as the ‘heartland’ of Aussie mountain biking for no good reason – the greater Cairns region is home to over 500km’s of single track trails!! There are trails everywhere up there. From full on gnarly DH trails right through to smooth fire roads that even the smallest members of your family can enjoy, Cairns literally has all styles of riding and levels of ability covered. Want to know where to ride and exactly what each trail features? Too easy, visit www.ridecairns.com or download the nifty RideCairns mobile app from the App store.
Make the most of your trip with other activities
Cairns truly is a destination for the whole family. Whilst you’re embracing the mountain biking, your partner, and kids if you have some, will be kept occupied with 1001 activities. Type ‘things to do in Cairns’ into Google and prepare to have your mind blown! The Great Barrier Reef is literally one of the most spectacular natural wonders on planet earth and it’s an absolute ‘must visit’ during your trip up north. The Reef stretches right up and down the coast of Tropical North QLD, and is located about a 60-minute boat ride offshore. There are countless tour options out to the reef and once you’re out there, be sure to get in the water with a snorkel and witness the magic with your own eyes. A tour out to the reef is best taken with a full day. However if you’re after a similar experience but only have half a day, then a visit out to Fitzroy Island is a great option. Another really cool and unique thing about Cairns is that there are countless water holes and lakes to visit. The Crystal Cascades water hole is one of the most popular spots amongst mountain bikers as a few trails pop out nearby and it features some awesome rock ledges to plunge off into the water.
Useful information to plan your trip
www.mtbworldscairns.com.au
www.ridecairns.com
www.ttnq.org.au