The only event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the 2011 Kona Mawson MTB Marathon, opens registrations.
The 2011 Kona Mawson MTB Marathon will add Cyclocross and two age categories to expand the event for the second running of the Kona Mawson MTB Marathon. Christian Haag, CEO of Bike SA, says “the 2011 Kona Mawson MTB Marathon is a unique event. There is $30,000 cash up for grabs and riders can choose to take on the challenge in four stages or all in one go, making it like no other race in the southern hemisphere.” “And this year we aim to cater to a broader audience by adding Cyclocross, two age categories—Open and 40yrs and over—which we’re calling the Mawson Masters,” says Mr. Haag.
Those riding in stages will be at the finish when the elite non-stop riders are expected to cross the finish line less than 15 hours after the flag goes down. There will also be extra challenges set at each of the four Staging Posts, including a Time Trial and King of the Mountain challenge.
“After the inaugural event, we received lots of valuable feedback from riders,” says Christian Haag. “Most notably is the change of dates; this year the Kona Mawson MTB Marathon will be held from 17–21 August, thereby avoiding clashes with other major races.”
The Kona Mawson MTB Marathon will again be filmed for a 60-minute documentary scheduled for global TV broadcast, exposing the event and the majestic Flinders Ranges to over 400 million households around the world.
The event finishes Sunday 21 August in Melrose, famous for attracting avid mountain bikers from all over the country.
Event details
17 – 21 June 2011
Stage 1 – 17 August; 93km Blinman to Rawnsley Park
Stage 2 – 18 August; 91km Rawnsley Park to Hawker
Stage 3 – 19 August; 107km Hawker to Quorn
Stage 4 – 20 August; 71km Quorn to Melrose
Non Stop riders start 20 August, with the winner expected to finish before midnight 20 August, with last riders finishing lunchtime 21 August.
367km Mawson Trail from Blinman to Melrose, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
$30,000 cash prize pool.
For more information and to register, visit www.bikesa.asn.au
