The Dragon Trail MTB Stage Race Returns to Tasmania

Press Release / 13.03.2022

With its combination of world class mountain bike trails, wild landscapes, history and community, Dragon Trail is a unique event on the international MTB stage race calendar.

The race offers riders the opportunity to explore the trail network of North East Tasmania and 200 would-be ‘Dragon-slayers’ will soon be arriving for the second edition, which takes place from March 17-19th, starting in the town of Branxholm.

They will come from every state of Australia and the first international entry is arriving from France, despite the very recent opening of borders.

Last year’s women’s race winner, Karen Hill, is returning again and now she knows what to expect.  After riding the inaugural race last year, she said, “I’ve ridden stage races in East Timor, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Canada, and I’d say this race is right up there with all of them. The organisation and volunteers, and the options they give you for all-inclusive or looking after yourself are great and there are different types of trails, terrain and scenery, so there is something for everyone.”

Regular flights to Launceston airport make it easy to reach Tasmania, and once the riders arrive, they will be collected from the airport on the regular race shuttles, which are part of this full service event.  It’s more like a ‘full-on service’, because every possible facility is offered, and more.  Geocentric Outdoors have decades of experience organising international races, and know how to make the event special and the whole trip a great Tasmanian holiday.

Those who are driving will be accommodated on the Branxholm Camp Ground and there will be facilities for motor homes throughout the event.  There are rider camps at the end of every day and each days ride is a point-to point route, taking riders across spectacular wilderness areas, using the best trails.

Ready prepared, comfortable tents will be available if required, and there will be mechanics, medics, masseurs and media hubs to reconnect with the world, if anyone wants to!  Everyone’s bags will be moved along each day and spectators and family can come along in support as well.

The race and local community are a big part of Dragon Trail and at the social hubs each night there will be a festival vibe with local bands, singers and musicians performing.  There will be gourmet food on offer, with local ingredients, so riders can taste the best local produce, refuel and be ready to go again.

There will also be some inspirational guest speakers, including Michael Milton, Australia’s most successful Paralympic skier. The one legged athlete went on to race the summer Paralympics as a cyclist, then set the world marathon record running with crutches, and he’ll be racing the Dragon Trail too!

The region and all of the communities on the route are closely involved in the race.  Mick Tucker, Mayor of Break O’Day Council said; “Our whole community is excited and ready to welcome you all to our little patch of paradise.”  The event is also supported by Events Tasmania and received grant funding under the Recovery for Regional Tourism Programme, which is part of the $1 billion Covid Relief and Recovery fund.

The small towns and communities along the way will be welcome stopping off points and are linked by the very best intermediate trails in the region.  The new trails developed over the past few years are considered some of the best flow trails in the world, and these are mixed with back country and wilderness riding to make every day an adventure.

Day one is called ‘Derby Flow’ and the 52km ride includes Derby Trails old and new, featuring big climbs, sweeping descents and fantastic views, finishing up at the historic Weldborough Hotel.

Day two is called ‘Bay of Fires’ and it’s the longest at 58km taking riders into the wilderness using the ‘Blue Tier’ and ‘Bay of Fires’ trails. There will be big climbs, short sections where riders might have to dismount, and downhill delights, including the big 7km descent to the coastal finish at Swimcart Beach. It’s the perfect end to a day’s riding!

After overnighting at St. Helens it’s time for the final day’s riding – ‘St Helens Dreaming’.  This follows the Dreaming Pools Wilderness Trail on a 45km circuit, bringing the riders back to St. Helens for the finishing celebrations.

The elite riders will sweep through the course at speed, but for those who want to take their time the courses are open all day.  Dragon Trail is open to any rider with a sense of adventure, whatever their speed, and the entry includes riders from U23 to 70+, elite riders, and those who want to take their time and enjoy every moment in Australia’s undisputed Mecca of mountain biking.

Riders will be arriving from Tuesday 15th and the race takes place from 17-19th.  

Photos and videos from each day will be on the Geocentric Outdoors Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/geocentricoutdoors and you can find out more about Dragon Trail, and a link to the daily results at https://dragontrail.com.au/

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