Region to host premier bike event

Big Event

Michael Warren

Editor

Email Michael
Last updated:
The Far North will host a big bike event later this year. Pictured is Remy Morten, Tracey Hannah and Glen Jacobs following the recent announcement.

DOUGLAS Shire sports fans have the chance to attend a leg of a hugely popular bike event for the next two years following a boom announcement just a short time ago.

The fourth stop of Crankworx, what officials claim is “the world’s most watched mountain bike event” will take place at Smithfield, Cairns from October 5-9, bringing 1200 athletes, 220 volunteers and close to 34,000 attendees along for the ride.

Confirmation the region will host a leg of the series continues both Douglas and Cairns Councils’ drive to position their areas as premier sports destinations across Queensland and Australia.

“This prestigious mountain biking event will be held in Cairns for the next two years positioning the region as an iconic mountain biking and adventure tourism destination and cementing its reputation for hosting international sporting events alongside a stunning reef and rainforest backdrop,” a delighted Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said.

“In addition to an anticipated 31,000 bed nights for our region, Crankworx will deliver a worldwide audience with the global eyeballs on Cairns further driven by a partnership with Red Bull Media House to broadcast five live finals globally and a post event 60-minute telecast to 17.8 million viewers.”

Mr Olsen also confirmed one quarter of the television coverage will be dedicated to showcasing Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef which will offer amazing publicity and in turn entice more visitation to Cairns and Port Douglas.

“The collaboration among stakeholders including Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Cairns Regional Council, AusCycling, Yirrigandji Traditional Owners, James Cook University and Cairns Mountain Bike Club has been crucial to bringing Crankworx to Cairns,” Crankworx World Tour Managing Director Darren Kinnaird explained.

“Crankworx Cairns will give our athletes an additional fourth competitive stop and will bring the ultimate mountain biking experience to our fans in Australia while showcasing the Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef to mountain biking fans around the world.

“The Crankworx festival will feature elite competition, amateur and our CWNEXT next generation racing, Kidsworx events plus a vibrant expo and festival vibe to bring mountain bike and action sports fans together to experience Aussie hospitality at its finest.”

Other Crankworx events throughout the year will be staged in Innsbruck, Whistler and Rotorua.

Thank you!

Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.

Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.

* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.