Coronet Peak Mountain Bike South Island Cup Series

Coronet Peak to Host Mountain Bike South Island Cup Series This Week

A combined field of around 200 riders is expected to gather at the purpose-built Coronet Peak Bike Park from Friday 4th January 2008, for three days of exhilarating mountain bike events.

The Subaru South Island Downhill Cup on 4th and 5th January will see experienced riders hurtle down the 1.6km single track and on the 5th and 6th the NZCT South Island Cross Country Cup takes place on a dedicated XC course across the mountain.

These two events, formerly the MTB National Series, are the precursor to the NZCT New Zealand National Championships; the pinnacle of summer mountain bike racing.

There will be plenty of adrenalin on and off the tracks as spectators witness some of the world's best riders battle it out for top titles.

Featured downhill riders will include Sam Blenkinsop, Scarlett Hagen, Kieran Bennett and Nathan Rankin, who have all represented New Zealand at World Cup and World Championship events.

Confirmed competitors for the Cross Country Cup include up and coming juniors Alex McGregor and Samara Sheppard. These talented New Zealanders took part in the World Championships in Fort William, Scotland, in September this year.

A few international faces are expected too, including Helene Valerie Fruhwirth, an elite rider from Austria.

Coronet Peak general manager sales & marketing David Ovendale says hosting these high profile events is a highlight of the biking season at Coronet Peak.

"Events like these attract incredibly skilled and renowned riders. It's a good indication of the international standard of our track and a fun day out to see how the pros do it."

All trails will be closed to the public for riding on January 4th, 5th and 6th although sightseeing passes will still be available on each of these days.

Later in the month the Bike Park plays host to the Vertigo Chain Free Downhill on 19th January and the Nzone Brake Burner endurance race on 2nd February.

Mountain bike champion Scarlett Hagen will host training for riders of all levels and ages between January 15th and 30th. Positions are limited and can be booked via www.mtbperformance.com

Mountain biking season passes are available at $199 adult and $149 youth. A loyalty discount is available to holders of a 2007 winter season pass at $149 adult and $99 youth. Multi-day passes are also on offer. A One Day Multi-Ride pass costs $35 adult and $25 youth, a Five Day Multi-Ride pass is $140 adult and $100 youth. Sightseeing passes offer a fun chairlift ride and awe-inspiring scenery for $17 adult and $12 youth. A range of adult bike rentals will be available at the base area operated in conjunction with Outside Sports.

Season passes can be purchased through eBuy, Coronet Peak's secure online season pass shop at www.nzski.com and day and multi-day tickets on the mountain from the ticketing window at the Greengates Carpark.

The Coronet Peak Bike Park will operate 7 days a week from 10:30am to 7:30pm, weather permitting, from 3 January until 3 February.

ENDS

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