Four Cross rounds kick off Australian national series

Two rounds of four cross racing will kick off the Australian National Series at the Sydney Olympic Park this weekend. Both rounds will be conducted on the Monster Mountain Cross track on October 18 and 19 as part of the Festival of Cycling. Over 200 four cross riders are expected.

Last year's winner and Australian National Champion Caroline Buchanan will return - this year with even more experience after debuting and winning medals in the 2008 World Cup. Buchanan won the World Cup round in Canberra in August. This weekend, she will be challenged by fellow Australian Sarsha Huntington.

The elite men's field will see last year's winner Leigh Darrell do battle with Canberra World Cup bronze medallist Thomas Hubert. Just two weeks ago, Hubert claimed silver at the NSW BMX Championships in Macarthur.

Albert Bacci will line up in the masters men's division and will face Steven Humphreys. Along with the masters category, racers will contest divisions from under 15 to veteran.

Over 200 mountain cross riders are expected over the two-day event which will also include BMX racing on Sunday on a newly opened Monster BMX track.

For more information, visit www.nationalseries.com.au.