Mountain bikers James Papadopoff, Richard Reeves and Mark Papadopoff.
Camera IconMountain bikers James Papadopoff, Richard Reeves and Mark Papadopoff. Credit: Supplied/Kerry Halford

Northern Beaches Cycling Club to host first mountain bike event near Dwellingup

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

THE Northern Beaches Cycling Club (NBCC) will head south to host its first ever mountain bike event on March 25.

Round 1 of the WA Mountain Biking Association (WAMBA) XCO State Series will run in Marrinup, near Dwellingup and is expected to attract hundreds of riders and spectators from across the state.

The Olympic-style cross country event is a short circuit race with A-C grades for women, A-E grades for men and junior racing for under 9s, under 13s, under 15s and under 17s.

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“In the absence of a local mountain bike circuit in the northern suburbs, it was a coup for the club to secure an event,” NBCC president Chris Howard said.

“Until we are able to get local off-road facilities our ‘home ground’ will be based in the Shire of Murray.

“We would like to see local politicians prioritise funding for cycling like they do other sports.”

Dr Howard said local businesses would benefit from sporting tourism if facilities were developed in the northern suburbs.

The club’s mountain bike facilities director Mark Papadopoff said NBCC had been working behind the scenes to develop a 6km dedicated cross country mountain bike trail in the northern suburbs.

“Together with the City of Joondalup, Parks and Wildlife, State Government and the community, NBCC will continue to fight for quality off-road trails to be built in our northern suburbs,” he said.

“This trail will be open to the public and will appeal to all user groups which include families, schools, adaptive MTB hand-cycles, recreational and experienced mountain bikers.”

For more information on the March 25 event, visit wamba.org.au or for NBCC membership enquiries, email Alastair Saw at treasurer@northernbeachescycling.com.

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