First JetBlack 12 Hour mountain bike race at James Estate Winery
First JetBlack 12 Hour mountain bike race at James Estate Winery: Jason English geared up for sixth consecutive title
First JetBlack 12 Hour mountain bike race at James Estate Winery: Jason English geared up for sixth consecutive titleThe JetBlack 12 Hour Mountain Bike event is the largest endurance race of its kind in NSW and will be held at the brand-new trail network at the James Estate Winery in the Upper Hunter Valley near Denman on 12 July 2014. World Champion Jason English from Port Macquarie has confirmed to his participation to defend the elite men’s title in the Rocky Trail event, which he has held since 2009.
For the first time, on 12 July 2014, the legendary vibes of the JetBlack 12 Hour mountain bike (MTB) race will spread through the vineyards and trail network of James Estate Winery. The winery is not only well-know for its delicious wines, but also for the beautiful surrounds. Visitors to the Cellar Door at Baerami can not only explore the property on a ridge walk, which takes them to a magnificent lookout high above the vineyards, but they can also ride their mountain bikes on custom-built trails.
Event promoters from Rocky Trail Entertainment have held two races at James Estate already and are now bringing their JetBlack 12 Hour to the popular venue, which is one of their largest endurance MTB competitions, expecting close to 400 competitors. The race start will be at 10 am to allow for a more relaxed start into the day. A change has also been announced for the official prize ceremony, says Event Manager Juliane Wisata, “The race will finish quite late, so we’ll hold a flower ceremony at night. As a lot of riders and visitors will be camping on-site or stay in close-by towns, we’ll have a big brunch together on the Sunday with the official prize ceremony and then everyone will still have plenty of time to explore the winery and the surrounding Upper Hunter Valley.”
World Champion English set to defend long-standing JB12H title
Jason English, the 24 Hour MTB Solo World Champion from Port Macquarie and five-time JetBlack 12 Hour winner, will be at the start to defend his elite men’s title. Last year’s runner up Andrew Lloyd from Newcastle, one of the most promising new talents on the Australian MTB endurance racing scene, is believed to be English’s strongest contender.
The race track will feature about 11 km through vineyards and bush land in and around the winery and participants can race solo or in relay-style teams of up to six riders.
The race track will feature about 11 km through vineyards and bush land in and around the winery and participants can race solo or in relay-style teams of up to six riders.
“The trails are fantastic and absolutely ideal for multi-lap racing, with a good mix of flowing singletrack and fast fire road”, says Race Director Martin Wisata, adding that he had received a lot of great feedback from competitors at the two SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix events held there already.
Every race participant will receive a complimentary a bottle of James Estate Wine and all visitors and spectators will be treated to culinary treats from the region. Free kids races and activities will keep young visitors busy and entry for spectators is free. The James Estate cellar door will be open all day.
