170 kilometres to Port Douglas – Reef to Reef returns
One of the most loved mountain bike races returns to the tropical north this week with Reef to Reef.
The four-day mountain bike stage race is returning for the first time since 2019, with the event to be held between 18 and 21 August.
Terrain Differences to mix it up for riders
Four massive days of mountain biking taking in the backdrop of the reef fringed Coral Sea coastline as riders head inland across a range of trails through tablelands, hinterland, farmlands and tropical rainforest before finishing back at the coast covering 170 kilometres.
Riders will be met with a different and unique terrain each day ranging from a fast-flowing single trail, farm track, groomed downhill trails and fire trails.
Returning after Covid hiatus
Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, organisers of Reef to Reef, said that the team was looking forward to welcoming riders back to the event.
“Many of these are through private land that can only be ridden while racing the Reef to Reef,” Mr Meyer said.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Reef to Reef back to the region and can’t wait to see riders on the start line from Thursday.
“Reef to Reef has quickly become a firm favourite for riders both local and further abroad and it’s great to see it back after a three-year hiatus.”
Each day’s racing finishes at the event village with local hospitality on offer with the final day finishing in stunning Port Douglas where riders will be greeted with the perfect place to celebrate achieving something truly epic.
Riders can race solo or in teams of two, as long as you stick together for the full length of the race.
A highlight of Reef to Reef is pairs racing, where teams of two take on the event together.
“Reef to Reef is a great riding and social event, with it providing a chance for riders to relax at the end of the stage and enjoy the company of those joining them on the trails,” Meyer said.
“It’s set to be a great four days of riding and we look forward to seeing plenty of smiling faces coming across the finish line at the end of each stage.
“We’re also looking forward to celebrating the 30th running of the Triple-R, with the famous dash along Four Mile Beach to the finish line at Port Douglas a great way to end the event.”
The Reef to Reef Queensland is a sister event to the Port to Port in N.S.W. and the Cape to Cape in W.A., making up the newly formed triple crown of Australian multi-stage MTB racing.
Healy hails rewards Reef to Reef for regions
Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region provides the perfect backdrop for the physical challenge of the Reef-to-Reef 2022.
“The tropical north’s diverse natural landscape is the picture-perfect destination for the Reef to Reef making its return for the first time in three years.” Mr Healy said.
“We encourage visitors to the region to stay longer to experience all that the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region has to offer. From the UNESCO World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef to the coastal towns of Port Douglas and Palm Cove there is no shortage of experiences to explore.
“This event will generate a welcomed boost of an estimated $1.3 million for the local economy
during this time of COVID-19 recovery.
“Queensland is fast becoming the sporting capital of Australia with a number of major sporting events like this being staged in Queensland in the lead up to the ultimate sporting event, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Reef to Reef is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
For more on Reef to Reef visit: https://reeftoreefmtb.com/