The Shimano MTB Grand Prix 4 and 6 hour event for solo racers and relay pairs will take place at the Kalateenee MTB Trails next weekend on Sunday June 27.

With a 13-year history the series now offers regular events across NSW, in the ACT as well as QLD and VIC.

SHIMANO Cycling Australia has been the principal sponsor since the series was founded and with strong support from the cycling industry has grown to one of the major cross-country endurance racing series in Australia.

"From the first time between the tape to racers that have spent a lifetime training for power output, they will all enjoy lining up at our start line", Martin Wisata, one of the Rocky Trail founders, explained.

"In the current COVID-19 event recovery stage, registration patterns for the 2021 Rocky Trail season indicated that their events will continue to grow after a record year in 2020.

"With a tight Covid-19 Safety Plan in place the team will be delivering a safe and enjoyable event in Kempsey.

"The race will offer 4 and 6 hour competitions for solo and relay pairs competitors across elite and age groups as well as junior and eBike categories."

Support from Macleay Valley Coast, the destination brand of Kempsey Shire Council, was pivotal to attract the event into the region and Kempsey Shire Council Mayor Liz Campbell said that the region was looking forward to hosting the new event.

"It's a pleasure to have the Shimano Mountain Bike Grand Prix come to our beautiful area," she said.

"I just love that fantastic athletes from near and far are out there enjoying natural playgrounds in the Macleay such as our treasured Kalateenee Mountain Bike Trails in South Kempsey.

"Good luck to all of the racers."

The local Macleay Valley MTB Club endorses the race and will be proudly showcasing the popular trail network to local and visiting riders.

In return the active local club will receive a trail hire fee by the organisers, which will be invested in trail building and maintenance activities.

Local businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the free company listing offered as part of the destination promotional campaign in the event lead-up.

The organisers also welcome local showcases at the event for catering and event supplies and well as promotional stands.

For details visit the Local Business Support page on the Rocky Trail website and contact Event Manager Juliane Wisata for more information.

Race competitors can now register online via the Rocky Trail website.

Spectator entry is free and Covid-19 rules will be communicated via the rider briefing ahead of the race.

All event participants must check in at the Rocky Trail event hub on race day.

The Shimano MTB Grand Prix is part of a weekend double-header with another race in Port Macquarie on the Saturday June 26, with the aim to encourage regional and interstate visitors to come into the region.

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