Get “down” and dirty in Queenstown this Easter

25 January 2011

Queenstown’s growing popularity as a must-visit biking destination has been further enhanced with the news that a challenging new downhill mountain biking event will be staged at Easter this year.

The ‘Ben Lomond Dirtmasters 2011 Downhill Challenge’, which will run from 22-24 April, gives expert mountain bikers the opportunity to test their skills on the world-class downhill tracks on Bob’s Peak above downtown Queenstown.

The 3km track will take them through Ben Lomond forest and onto an existing track into downtown Queenstown, providing a spectacular finish for both spectators and riders.

And the start is equally spectacular, with competitors and bikes being transported to the top of the track by gondola. The Skyline gondola, one of Queenstown’s iconic tourist attractions, has been adapted to become New Zealand’s first gondola-assisted ‘bike lift’ as part of Skyline’s new mountain biking product to the public this week.

The new downhill event is the brainchild of Southern Traverse adventure racing guru Geoff Hunt who believes it will be a big drawcard for the more extreme end of the mountain biking market.

“I’ve had input from some internationally renowned bikers as well as from Queenstown experts and I’m confident the course will be outstanding - it’s technically demanding, showcases our stunning scenery and finishes downtown where there’ll be a full-on party atmosphere to cheer the riders on.”

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt is delighted with Mr Hunt’s downhill race concept and says it will provide a “not to be missed” incentive for keen downhill riders to visit Queenstown this autumn.

“It will be a fantastic challenge for them as well as a great opportunity for spectators to see that level of skill. We’re really gaining momentum as a world-class biking destination and there are more exciting developments to be announced in the next few months!”

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