Arguably the world’s most gruelling mountain bike race – the Atherton Tableland’s Croc Trophy – celebrates its silver anniversary this year.
The Croc Trophy attracts an international peloton of riders each year and priceless international media attention with its testing terrain, hot conditions and superb mountain and jungle scenery.
At 25 years old it is regarded as the world’s oldest mountain bike stage race. This year organisers are mixing it up a bit – riders will get to see the event’s notorious namesake for the first time with an inaugural finish at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
As well, a special three-day race has been introduced for mountain bikers who want a taste of the demanding ride.
More than 120 riders take part in the Croc Trophy each year, with many from the heart of mountain bike riding, Europe.
Brett Stevenson, chair of Tropical Tablelands Tourism, said the reputation of the arduous event, plus the Europe-heavy contingent who ride it meant the Croc Trophy continues to be an international phenomenon.
“We have the very best European and Australian riders here so the Atherton Tablelands receives exceptional exposure during the 10-day event.
“Mountain biking takes viewers into the scenic heart of the Atherton Tablelands with tropical jungle one day and stunning Outback the next.
“It is a great way of acquainting the rest of the world with the Atherton Tablelands’ spectacular scenery and lifestyle,” he added.
The eight-stage, 10-day event starts in Cairns on October 12 and ends at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures on October 19.
In between riders will have 1200 kilometres of racing taking on the Atherton Tablelands’ tracks and roads near the towns of Mareeba, Atherton, Herberton and Kuranda.
Issued by Tanya Snelling
media@athertontablelands.com.au