Interest peaks in season's final mountn bike event

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Geoff Small. Photo credit: Ben Rafferty.

Press release from Coronet Peak
Thursday 24 January 2008

Interest peaks in final mountain biking event of the season

Coronet Peak will host its final mountain biking event of the season – the Nzone Brake Burner – on Saturday 2 February.

Entry to the super-D biking challenge has closed already because the 200 capacity field has been reached – a feat that has astounded Race Director Greg McIntyre of Fat Tyre Adventures.

“Last year’s inaugural event attracted 86 competitors,” he said. “It’s phenomenal to have more than doubled the number of riders this year – this reflects a massive growth in the popularity of the sport.”

“The Nzone Brake Burner is about the mountain bikers and the experience, so we needed to limit entries to 200 to keep things manageable and fun.”

Super-D is a combination of downhill and cross-county endurance mountain biking for individual recreational riders or teams, who race to clock up as many laps as possible in six hours.

The lap record to beat is 19 in the individual category, set by Geoff Small and 20 for teams to beat 2007 winners Vertigo Bikes (Paul Angus & Justin Havukainen).

A total prize pool of almost $10,000 is up for grabs with plenty of spot prizes and rewards for first, second and third placing riders.

Competition is expected to be stiff. International mountain biker Mark Weir (former winner of the Mega Avalanche) will ride in the individual category for the first time.

“Geoff Small’s apparently been asking why Mark Weir is coming all this way from the US to place second. That’s fighting talk and I think we can expect some great on-track action for spectators to enjoy. Scarlett Hagen and Sheryl McLeod have teamed up too, so there’s going to be plenty to watch from the sidelines,” said McIntyre.

The Brake Burner starts at 10am and comprises down and uphill riding on Coronet Peak’s exhilarating downhill cross country track and parts of the National Cross County terrain, taking in switchbacks, roll-overs, rocks and fantastic views.

As the 2008 season nears its close, Mountain Biking Operations Manager Jeff Hodge said locals are making the most of the Bike Park.

“Mountain biking is becoming a major summer sport and the Coronet Peak Bike Park is responding with quality tracks and careful maintenance. We’re really pleased with the results we’re achieving during our third season. We’re evolving and maturing as a biking destination and that’s resulting in year on year growth in numbers using the Park,” said Hodge.

“If you are local and haven’t got up here yet, make this Sunday the day, when we have a locals’ special going - just $20 for a full day ticket. Try beating that for value in this part of the world.”

A Brake Burner wet weather reserve day is set for Sunday 3 February. While the cross country and downhill courses will be closed to non-competing riders between 10am – 4pm, spectators are encouraged to come and watch the action.

The Coronet Peak Bike Park operates 7 days a week from 10:30am to 7:30pm, weather permitting, until the season closes on 3 February. Day and multi-day tickets can be purchased on the mountain from the ticketing window at the Greengates Carpark.

ENDS

For further information visit www.nzski.com

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