The Shimano Bike Buller Festival kicks off this weekend, 9–10 March. A new and exciting two-day format will usher in the 11th edition of the mountain bike event at Mt Buller. More than 500 riders are expected to converge on the mountain to celebrate all things great about mountain biking.
Event formats will centre on Gravity Enduro, X-Country, Down Hill, Slopestyle, Kids and lots more. More than 200 riders are already locked-in for the downhill and enduro events. And the entry list reads like a who’s-who of elite Australian enduro riders with Chris Panozzo, Ben McIlroy, Josh Carlson and James ‘Canbonball’ Hall competing.
“I’m stoked to be heading back down to the Buller Bike Park for Shimano Bike Buller! It’s always a good time amongst the snowgums with a bunch of frothers. Excited for a weekend of DH, Enduro and the return of the Delatite SUPER D!” said GIANT pro-team rider Josh Carlson.
New for 2019 will be Australia’s first race on the Alpine Epic Trail. The trail race kicks off 9am Saturday morning and will take in a 46 kilometre point-to-point circuit crossing Mt Stirling. Riders will witness an incredible journey within magical alpine wilderness in the Australian Alps.
Another addition this year will be the Highline Slopestyle competition. Two massive jumps have been setup so freestyle mountain bikers can unleash their style and impress the judges in front of howling spectators.
A range of social activities including the pump-track and dual slalom races, MTB movies in the cinema, kids’ rides and the popular ‘Picnic in the Park’ food, wine and music festival, will be held in the Mirimbah Park at the base of Mt Buller. An extensive Bike Expo will be a key feature too.
“The weather forecast says 18 degrees and sunny with a few clouds so we’re expecting a big turnout, especially with the chairlifts running for one of only two weekends of the summer,” says Rapid Ascent General Manager, Sam Maffett.
An emphasis on gravity in 2019 will see the return of the Mt Buller Super-D, and the Gravity Gods title for the key gravity races: the ABOM downhill, Gravity Enduro (it’s round three of the Victorian Gravity Tour) and the Outlaw all-mountain trophy.
Entries are available online up until 30 minutes before each race start at ShimanoBikeBuller.com. Riders of all abilities and their families are encouraged to attend.
“The endure fraternity is really something else. They race hard and fast and they’re slightly crazy! But off the bike they create such a warm and friendly atmosphere and look after each other like kindred souls,” says Race Director, John Jacoby.
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th March, 2019 (March Labour Day long weekend – VIC)
Where: Mt Buller, Victoria, Australia
What: A two-day mountain bike festival on the spectacular trails at Mt Buller in the breathtaking Victorian Alps. The event coincides with the renowned ‘Picnic in the Park’ food, wine and music festival
- GRAVITY RACES:
ABOM Down Hill #
Gravity Enduro #
Mt Buller Super-D - XCOUNTRY RACES:
Epic Trail Point to Point 42km *
Corn Hill Grand Prix 20km * - SPECTATOR EVENTS:
16” Dual Slalom
ATC Slopestyle
Picnic in the Park - KIDS EVENTS:
Village Ride
# Gravity Gods combined race
* XC Whippets combined category event
# Gravity Gods combined race
Who: Mountain bike riders of all levels and riding styles. Riders can register right up to Saturday and Sunday morning.
- SHIMANO Pro Team: Josh Carlson, James Hall
- Other top riders: Tasman Nankervis and Russel Nankervis, Matt Empey, Alistair Fairley, Chris Panozzo, Ben McIlroy
- A strong contingent of Victorian riders (over 500), 40 from NSW, 15 from Queensland and riders from Canberra, NT, South Australia and Tasmania.
Find out more at ShimanoBikeBuller.com
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday 8th March
4:00pm – 7:00pm Registration, Sponsor Expo and Entertainment open @ Village Square
6:00pm onwards Riders welcome at the ABOM Bistro and Bar
Saturday 9th March
7:00am – 12:00pm Registration open @ Village Square
8:00am – 4:00pm Event Expo officially open @ Village Square
8:30am – 5:00pm Saint ABOM Downhill race – walk, practice, seeding then final race run
9:00am Thule Epic Trail 45 kilometre race start @ Village Square
10:00am XTR Gravity Enduro all stages open for practice
2:00pm – 4:00pm Registration open @ Village Square
3:00pm Kids Village Ride race start @ Village Square
4:30pm – 6:00pm ATC Highline Slopestyle Comp @ Toboggan Slope @ next to the Village Square
6:15pm – 7:00pm 16” Dual Slalom. Heats then final located next to Village Square
7:00pm Presentations for Saturday’s races @ 16” Dual Slalom course
Sunday 10th March
7:00am – 2:30pm Registration open @ Village Square
8:00am – 5:00pm Event Expo officially open @ Village Square
8:00am Michelin Corn Hill Grand Prix race start @ Village Square
8:30am Race briefing for the XTR Gravity Enduro @ Village Square
8:40am Wave starts commence for the XTR Gravity Enduro @ Village Square
12:00pm – 6:00pm Picnic in the Park Festival open @ Mirimbah
2:00pm Wave starts commence for the DHaRCO Super-D @ Baldy on the Summit Rd
7:30pm Presentations for Sunday’s Races @ Mt Buller Cinema
8:00pm FREE MTB Movie @ Mt Buller Cinema *See more in the EVENT PROGRAM
Facebook – @rapidascentevents | Instagram – @rapidascent | Twitter – @Rapid_Ascent | #ShimanoBikeBuller
Picture: Rapid Ascent