Top International contender American John Nobile is looking forward to spending some time in the Australian bush on the back of his bike as he competes in the inaugural BMC Mountains to Beach from March 2 to 6. Nobile, who has won the longest mountain bike race in the world, the Great Divide Race from Canada to Mexico, finished second in the 2008 MTB Himachal race, India's race through the Himalaya. He is keen to add Australia to his list of conquests.
Nobile is up against some tough competition though including current Australian Solo 24-hour Champion Jason English and Crocodile Trophy racer Dennis Van Mill. Apart from his national title, English finished second at the 2009 24 Hours of Adrenalin World Solo Championships and won the 2008 Scott 24-hour race. He was second behind Van Mill in the 100 Mile Highland Fling last November.
In the pairs category, Troy Bailey & Joel Donney are expected to be the front runners. Baily won his 35-39 age group at the 24-hour world solo championships last year and Donney is a regular podium placer in endurance events across Australia. He was the 24-hour world solo Under 25 champion in 2007.
The 375km Mountains to Beach will take racers from Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest mountain, to the surf and sand of the South Coast of NSW. Riders will ride the whole distance from the mountains to the beach with the exception of 6km – a ride up the Ski Tube underground railway ascending 600metres from the Thredbo Valley to Perisher Blue Ski Resort.
BMC Mountains to the Sea Stage Race
Day 1, Stages 1-3, March 2: Threadbo, 50km
Day 2, Stages 4-6, March 3: Berghaus Mountain, 86km
Day 3, Stages 7-8, March 4: Buckenderra Resort, 67km
Day 4, Stages 9-10, March 5: Visit Cooma, 123km
Day 5, Stage 11, March 6: Eurobodalla Nature Coast, 45km
