Jason English will ride in UNE 12 Hours in the Piney

Post date: Mar 1, 2012 10:48:52 PM

World 24 Hour Mountain Bike Champion - Jason English - has confirmed his entry for UNE 12 Hours In The Piney. This 12-hour Mountain Bike race takes place next Saturday between 10 am Saturday 10th March till 10 pm at night. English is the defending title holder in this event after winning the 12 hour solo section of this event last year.

Publicity officer for New England Mountain Bikers, Stephen Chapman, is thrilled that the world champion is making the trip again. "It is a real bonus to have such a high profile athlete attending our event again. Jason is a legend in mountain biking circles and would have to be one of the fittest athletes on the planet!" Chapman said. Last year English completed 260 km in the 12 hours to easily win the solo event. He may not have it all his own way this year as he is coming off an exhausting 6 day stage race from the Mountains to the Beach on the South Coast. He finishes that race on Friday afternoon before driving all the way up here. With $500 cash the prize for the Solo Men's winner, there will be plenty of competitors pushing the world champion all the way.

"Jason has been in contact with me over the past few months and he really didn't think he could make it after the Mountain to the Beach finishing just the day before. But he said he had such a great time at our event last year that he doesn't want to miss it. So he told me the great news on Wed night that he was IN!" Chapman said. "We at NEMTB have prepared a fantastic track with many new sections. This race will have a great feel with the Armidale Pine Forest being transformed into a professional race precinct. We can't wait until next Saturday!"

Entries are still being taken with teams of 4, 2 and solo's welcome. There are several options for junior riders too. Check out the website for more information. www.nemtb.com.au