World 24 Hour Mountain Bike Champion, Jason English has confirmed his entry for the UNE 12 Hours in the Piney. The race takes place this Saturday, March 10 between 10am and 10pm.
English is the defending title holder in this event after winning the 12 hour solo section last year.
Publicity officer for New England Mountain Bikers, Stephen Chapman, is thrilled that the world champion is making the trip again.
“It is a real bonus to have such a high profile athlete attending our event again,” Stephen said.
“Jason is a legend in mountain biking circles and would have to be one of the fittest athletes on the planet.”
Last year English completed 260km in the 12 hours to easily win the solo event. He may not have it all his own way this year as he is coming off an exhausting six day stage race from the Mountains to the Beach on the South Coast. He finishes that race on Friday afternoon before driving all the way up here. With $500 cash the prize for the Solo Men’s winner, there will be plenty of competitors pushing the world champion all the way.
“Jason has been in contact with me over the past few months and he really didn’t think he could make it after the Mountain to the Beach finishing just the day before,” Stephen said.
“But he said he had such a great time at our event last year that he doesn’t want to miss it.
“So he told me the great news on Wednesday night that he was in.”
“We at NEMTB have prepared a fantastic track with many new sections.
“This race will have a great feel with the Armidale Pine Forest being transformed into a professional race precinct. We can’t wait until next Saturday.”
Entries are still being taken with teams of four, two and solos welcome. There are several options for junior riders too. Check out the website for more information
www.nemtb.com.au.
