Fantastic mountain bike action this weekend

Press release from Coronet Peak
11 February 2009

Fantastic mountain bike action promised at Coronet Peak this weekend

Locals are encouraged to check out the mountain biking at Coronet Peak this weekend when it plays host to the Raboplus 2009 New Zealand MTB Cup (presented by Nature Valley).

The national series comprises the North Island and South Island Downhill and Cross Country Cups and promises exciting spectator action according to Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager, Hamish McCrostie.

"Over three days of competition, spectators can expect to see the country's best riders including current Oceania champion Kieran Bennett, New Zealand's highest world ranked rider Justin Leov and newly signed Italian (Ancillotti) team rider Brook MacDonald as well as a number of international competitors. It's an incredibly exciting sport to watch and Coronet Peak is a great place to spend a few weekend hours," said Mr McCrostie.

Over the weekend, top national and international riders will compete for Cup glory in NZCT Round Two of competition for the South Island Downhill Cup (14 February) and the NZCT final round of competition for the South Island Cross Country Cup (15 February).

Downhill competitors will warm up on Friday (13 February) with a training day where all riders can put in extra practice runs on the mountain ahead of the weekend's official races. Cross country competitors warm up on Saturday while the downhill racers are competing.

Encouraging the best possible viewing of the action, Coronet Peak spectators can buy all day access to the Coronet Express chairlift for a special $10 spectator pass per day (for all ages and only available during the three event days).

"Competition starts at 10am each day. Spectators have a choice of watching the action track side or from a safe distance on our sheltered deck. Food and refreshments will be available from the café throughout the day," said Mr McCrostie.

The event is sponsored by the New Zealand Community Trust - the biggest funder of amateur sport in New Zealand.

"Last year we put $42 million back into the community," said regional advisory committee chairman, Stephen Boock. "NZCT is proud to support this event and we wish all riders the best of luck."

The South Island Downhill series will culminate in a final competition being held in Blenheim next weekend (21 and 22 February) where the competitor with the best four results of the series is awarded the New Zealand Downhill Cup.

The Coronet Peak Bike Park is closed during the event for public riding but will reopen on Tuesday 17 February (weather permitting).

The Coronet Peak mountain biking season opened in early January and will run until March 1. The park is open 11.30 am till 7.30pm Tuesday through Sunday and till 8.30pm on Friday each week of the season, weather permitting. Closed on Mondays.

ENDS

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