8hrs@Jacks Inspired by Demand for Fresh Mountain Biking Challenge

A new multi-lap relay mountain bike event will be launched at Jack's Point near Queenstown at Labour Weekend (October 24) with a focus on team camaraderie in one of the region's most spectacular locations.

Race Director Geoff Hunt says 8hrs@Jacks is inspired by a demand from elite and recreational mountain bikers for a fresh event in the Wakatipu.

“This concept will see individuals and teams of two, three or four members competing on a seven to eight kilometre course through Jack's Point over a period of 8 hours. The track is a brand new one created specifically for the event and traverses areas through rocky outcrops and even a small gum forest on the northern edge of the development before returning to the internal 8hrs@Jacks base camp trails.”

Teams will compete in Junior, Open (men's, women's or mixed) and Veteran (men's, open and mixed) sections. One rider per team rides a lap then tags a team mate and elite riders are expected to complete the lap in about 35 minutes and the recreational competitors 45 minutes.

“Technically the course will be designed for the recreational biker and it will all be rideable on a brand new specially designed loop,” says Hunt. “Some sections will wind between trees and matagouri scrubs on a single lane trail while other uphill areas will allow passing opportunities for faster riders.”

Hunt is excited about the new event and particularly the location.

“The views from Jack's Point of both Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains are stunning. 8hrs@Jacks will also promote the Wakatipu Trails Trust, raising funds for the group and highlighting the Trust's work in creating new trails in the district.”

“We believe this event will attract a lot of interest because of its emphasis on fun and camaraderie. The social activities at Jack's Point during and following the race will be relaxing and enjoyable and the race should appeal to a cross section of mountain bike enthusiasts.”

Jack's Point spokesperson Sara Roy welcomes the new event to Jack's Point and looks forward to hosting competitors and their supporters at the Jack's Point restaurant both during and after the event.

“Geoff Hunt has a legendary reputation as Southern Traverse director and this race will undoubtedly become a key event on the South Island's multisport calendar. The event takes in some of the area's outstanding scenery and tracks and complements the growing number of community events being held at Jack's Point.”

The event is supported by Jacks Point Resort, R & R Sport Queenstown and Patagonia clothing and details of the race are available on a new web site www.southerntraverse.com/jacks8hrs