Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) along with the Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club wish to advise that regrettably due to the recent disastrous floods in Townsville, it has become necessary to re-locate the 2019 National Marathon Championships.

Subsequently, the 2019 Marathon National Championships will be awarded and held in conjunction with the upcoming Bayview Blast in Brisbane in June.

The club has been working tirelessly since the floods to repair the trails at Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve which were severely damaged during the unprecedented floods in February in time for the Championships to be held in May.

Early work indicated the trails would be ready, however, as work continued and additional complications arose, the club has now advised the repairs will not be completed for the trails to be used in time for this year’s event.

Rockwheelers spokesperson Geoff Jordan.

“Club volunteers have been working tirelessly to repair trails following an unprecedented weather event dropped more than a year’s worth of rain over the city causing widespread flooding and significant damage to mountain bike trails.”

“The club has also engaged specialised contractors, however continued rain periods have delayed repairs and we have just run out of time to have the trails ready for the event.”

MTBA CEO Shane Coppin said following the terrible floods and then subsequent efforts by the Rockwheelers Club to get their venue ready in time for the upcoming marathon championships, it is disappointing for all involved to announce a change in venue.

“Given the circumstances, there was no other alternative and we greatly appreciate the hard decision by the club to advise now that the venue will not be ready.”

“We have been inspired by the the efforts and desire of Rockwheelers in trying to make their facilities ready in light of the recent natural disaster and share their disappointment. We sincerely thank them for their efforts and look forward to returning to Townsville in 2020 to complete the three-year placement for the Marathon National Championships.”

“MTBA thank the Rats Cycling Club for agreeing at late notice, to host the championships in line with their very popular event the Bayview Blast which is part of the National Cup.”

“The support of Rats Cycling Club is very much appreciated and we hope that riders will appreciate the challenges faced in Townsville and support the Rats Cycling Club to deliver this event in 2019.”

More information regarding the changes will be released when available.

Source
Mountain Bike Australia