Season of Cycling News

Downhill mountain biking club, Gravity Canterbury, will be wrapping up a fantastic season with the NZ Open race on Sunday 28 March and the Novice race on 10 and 11 April.

The NZ Open will be held on the challenging Port Hills and will include top riders such as Justin Leov, world-ranked number six; and top 40 internationally-ranked riders Cam Cole and Nathan Rankin.

Gravity Canterbury President Glenn Rees says the race promises "a display of thrills and skills, attracting some of the best national and local riders."

"The chance to see these top riders in action will be a real draw card for local riders and keen spectators," he says.

The race course will be held on Lava Flow, a track that most downhillers avoid due to its technical difficulty.

But top downhill mountain biker Justin Leov says he can't wait to get out on the track.

"It's good to have the final race in New Zealand on a technical track that everyone enjoys - I can't wait for the race," he says.

Riders will practise in the morning before the race gets underway at 1 pm and a $1000 cash prize will be up for grabs for the fastest run of the day, with category winners racing for smaller cash prizes.

Spectators can access the race from Bowenvale Avenue or Summit Road.

The Novice race in April will be the finale and a fun way to wrap up a season of downhill action.

The race will be held on one of the more gentle tracks on the Port Hills, with a good turn out expected after a novice race held earlier in the season drew about 80 riders.

For race entry information visit www.gravitycanterbury.org