Mountain bikers hit Mt Ngongotaha for Skyline Sprint Warrior

Spectators will have plenty of options for viewing the action at the Skyline Sprint Warrior on Friday 15 February - an event that is bringing mountain biking back to the slopes of Rotorua's Mount Ngongotaha for the first time in six years.

Friday's downhill event forms part of the inaugural 10-day Rotorua Bike Festival and about 200 riders, including about 20 elite competitors, are expected to take on the new 1.8km trail.

The Skyline Sprint Warrior track has been built by a team of top international trail designers and builders and features plenty of twists, turns and jumps. It's expected to take the 20 elite riders about 2min 30sec to race.

The track makes the most of the natural terrain and views across the district in an area which can't normally be accessed by mountain bikers. Spectators will be able to see the action from a number of excellent vantage points.

The last time the Skyline Rotorua mountainside site hosted mountain bikers was in 2006 when the city held the UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships.

Skyline Rotorua general manager, Bruce Thomasen, says the event presents fantastic viewing for spectators - as well as a great challenge for riders.

"We're excited to be able to bring mountain biking back to Mt Ngongotaha and to offer this opportunity to riders and spectators alike. It's great to be part of the inaugural Rotorua Bike Festival, which we believe will be a fantastic addition to what our city has to offer," says Mr Thomasen.

"There's been huge interest in the event and the track builders have done a great job of creating an experience riders of all abilities - and spectators - will be able to enjoy. We expect the event will provide plenty of action for both riders and spectators," he says.

Mr Thomasen says there are spectator options to suit people of all ages, including a significantly discounted gondola pass which will allow people to access parts of the course higher up the mountain.

"Where else in the world can you get a gondola to the top of the mountain, and then a luge to watch a spectacular mountain bike race? It's going to be as exciting for spectators as it is for riders."

Mr Thomasen says there is plenty of free viewing around the finish line area, including an additional trick jump which will provide lots of entertainment.

The Skyline Sprint Warrior event is the brainchild of Mountain Bike Rotorua's Tak Mutu, who says many people had been keen to see the mountain bike trails reinstated on Mt Ngongotaha.

"We're rapt to be bringing mountain biking back to Mount Ngongotaha," he says.

"The track-building crew have worked really hard to create something we think both the elite riders and weekend warriors will find challenging and enjoyable. It has something for everyone.

"Rotorua really is the mecca of mountain biking. With 140km of purpose built trail systems in the Whakarewarewa Forest, it is no wonder that people travel the globe to ride in here. Now being able to provide a gondola accessed gravity mountain bike trail will only solidify our place as one of the top riding destinations in the world."

The slopes of Mount Ngongotaha were first raced by mountain bikers in a downhill event in 1991 and the 2006 Oceania championships featured downhill and cross-country tracks, which were decommissioned following that event.

For the Skyline Sprint Warrior, riders and bikes will travel to the start of the track via gondola and will have access for practise runs from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on race day, with racing due to start at 5pm. Times may change on the day, depending on weather and conditions.

Riders will set off in 20 second intervals and each will have two race runs. The finish line is just below the treeline below the gondolas and once finished, riders will have the chance to win additional prize money in a trick jump contest on a purpose built jump located just beyond the finish line.

Spectators will have free access to the finish line and trick jumps area. They can also purchase a $10 gondola pass which will allow them to get to the top of the mountain and walk down to some of the prime viewing areas located in the forest. Spectators also have the option of purchasing a luge ticket and taking a luge down to the forest jumps. The $10 pass also allows spectators to walk up into the forest from the bottom of the course.

Tickets for the event can be purchased from the Rotorua Bike Festival Expo at the Rotorua Convention Centre on Friday February 15 (midday-6pm) or from Skyline Rotorua on the day.

For more information on the Rotorua Bike Festival go to www.rotoruabikefestival.com.
Skyline Rotorua is open daily. For further information, check out http://www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua/