What It’s Like to Compete in a MTB Event (& Why You Should Enter the World Championship in Cairns)

Explorer and avid MTB rider Tracy lives for racing – but it’s not just the thrill of the ride she’s chasing. Tracy unpacks how MTB racing brings the community together and why you should consider signing up for the World Championships in Cairns this May.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

MTB Racing is a Community Event

For me, racing has never been about winning – it’s about the personal journey that comes with the pursuit of a challenge, and the opportunity to be part of the amazing community that is the mountain biking community.

Read more: A Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Biking

Charlotte Culver at the previous world champs in Cairns | Supplied by AusCycling

Events are the heartbeat of the MTB community. When families and friends come together to ride, race, and cheer on their loved ones. No matter your age or experience, you’re always welcomed at a MTB race. There aren’t many sports in the world where the everyday athlete can line up next to the best in the world, united by their universal love for their sport.

I remember one of the earliest races I competed in, I lined up next to women who I used to watch racing on TV. I shared some candid banter with the rider beside me as we discussed the track and some of the technical sections she was nervous about. I was blown away that a rider of her calibre even got nervous.

I looked totally clueless as I sat on my friend’s old borrowed bike, with duct tape holding together one of my shoes that broke in practice. Yet she treated me as her equal. That was the moment I fell in love with this sport!

Lining up next to people who share the same passion for mountain biking and life brings a connection like no other. MTB events can make strangers feel like lifelong friends in a few days, and sometimes just moments.

Of all the kinds of MTB events you can compete in, my favourite is destination racing. Riding in a new part of the world or country feels like being a kid again.

Who wouldn’t want to travel somewhere new just to play on bikes, ride new trails, and make new friends? Add in a fun dose of racing pressure and you have yourself an adventure.

That’s me on the iconic Kuranda DH track | @adriantuck.photography

When you enter a destination race you end up spending multiple days with your fellow competitors, learning from each other as you all discover the trails and their hidden lines.

When one rider wins, everyone celebrates. Everyone shares tips and tricks in support of each other. And of course, laughs are shared with the stories of the day’s mishaps and bruises, often over a beer at sunset.

You start the week as competitors and finish as friends for life. And if you have a great race result, well that’s just the cherry on top.

Read more: Mountain Biking Slang 101

You Can Compete in a World Championship Too!

The ultimate mountain bike race has landed on Aussie shores this year, with the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships coming to Cairns! Mark your diary and book in your annual leave, because from the 15th-19th of May, the iconic Smithfield MTB Park will be buzzing with excitement as masters athletes (aged 35 and above) from across the globe gather to compete in both downhill (DHI) and cross-country (XCO) racing.

Aaron Gwin fangin’ it through the forest | Supplied by AusCycling

This prestigious event offers a unique opportunity for riders to line up next to athletes from around Australia and the world on home turf, and without the need for qualification. Whether you’re an elite racer or someone who just loves to ride, now’s your chance to participate in a World Championship event.

Cairns holds a special place in mountain biking history, having hosted Australia’s first-ever MTB World Cup back in 1994 at Smithfield MTB Park itself. Now, nearly three decades later, the legacy continues as Cairns once again welcomes riders from around the globe to its world-class trails for the UCI Masters MTB World Championships.

Join me as I line up with the best athletes in the world, riding on tracks that hold so much history, for what will be an unforgettable experience!

Registration is open, so sign up now and get ready to experience the thrill of competing against the best on the iconic trails of Cairns. I can’t wait to see you at the finish line to celebrate, and maybe we can even share a beer.

Come for the Race, Stay for the Adventure!

Since you’ve come all this way to race in one of the most beautiful places in the world, take the opportunity to explore some beautiful local spots around Cairns.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

You can’t visit Cairns without spending a day marvelling at the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.

Can’t go to Cairns without stopping in at the GBR! | Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Whether you’re snorkelling, scuba diving or admiring the reef from a glass-bottomed boat, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy this world wonder.

Read more: A Guide To Reef & Ocean Safe Sunscreen

Kayak to a Tropical Island

Embark on the ultimate kayaking adventure departing from Palm Cove, and paddle your way to the coral reefs surrounding Double Island and Haycock Island (Scouts Hat). Keep your eyes peeled for Green and Hawksbill turtles basking in the ocean as you explore these pristine waters with Palm Cove Watersports or Pacific Watersports.

Paddle safely around these guys! | Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Take in Canopy Views

For a bird’s eye view of Australia’s World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, embark on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Take in the breathtaking views as you glide above the canopy before descending to explore the forest floor up close. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Glide over ancient rainforests | Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Stretch the Legs on a Sunrise Hike

Start the day with an early hike up to Glacier Rock and watch the sunrise over Cairns. This one isn’t for the faint-hearted, with a 10km return hike up through the rainforest – but the view at the top is definitely worth it. On your way down, stop in at Stoney Creek for a refreshing swim in one of the many secluded waterholes.

Splash around in Stoney Creek | Tourism Tropical North Queensland

End With a Culinary Adventure

After a day filled with adventures, there’s no better reward than a culinary adventure. Welcome the sunset with a cocktail, and then set off to explore one of the many amazing local restaurants.

Cairns is home to an array of fabulous places to eat and drink. From renowned chefs showcasing their skills to locally sourced seafood straight from the ocean, the options are endless. Whether you’re craving a fine dining experience or something more casual, there’s something to suit everyone.

CC’s Bar & Grill at Crystalbrook Bailey | Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Crank it Up a Notch and Stay for Crankworx!

While you’re in Cairns, stick around for an extra week of MTB action with Crankworx Cairns, which takes place from the 22nd – 26th of May, the week following the World MTB Masters Championships.

You’ll have front-row seats to watch the best MTB athletes in the world as they take on the iconic Downhill course, feel the pressure in the Dual Slalom, push their limits in the Freestyle events, and for the first time ever, race Pumptrack beneath the night lights.

2024 is set to be iconic for Crankworx in the female Freestyle MTB division, as this is the first year women are invited to compete in the slopestyle event in the 20 years of Crankworx. Come watch as these women make history!

Check out the Crankworx website for details on festival passes and events.

This is your opportunity to race with amazing people, ride epic trails, visit a stunning region of Queensland, and make memories to last a lifetime. Sign up for the race, but stay for the adventure – you won’t regret it!

Feature image supplied by AusCycling