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THE COURSE
Riders will chose from 90km, 45km, 33km and 15km course distance options to ensure that the race appeals to elite riders, intermediate riders as well as those who are new to marathon mountain biking.
The Pyrenees mountain range is located behind the town of Avoca in central Victoria and is home to some of Victoria’s best, and mostly untouched, riding. The courses offer a good mix of fire road, 4wd tracks, double tracks and single track including the Pyreneese Endurace Walk trail which is being purposefully prepared for the event.
The course is broken up into a number of sections that are detailed below.
90km Sections One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six (five Feed Zones) See Map ....See Profile
45km Sections One, Five and Six (two Feed Zones) See Map ...See Profile
33km Sections One and Six (one Feed Zone) See Map ....See Profile
15km Separate course See Map
Scroll down to read full descriptions of each stage of this race. To see course maps follow the links above.
Feed Zones
European-style feed stations are spread across the course offering riders a range of refueling and rehydration options. All products at the Feed Zones are included in the race entry fee.
There will be a number of Endura products to choose from including Endura Rehydration and Endura Gels. A selection of bakery food will be on offer for those who are hungry as well as fruit. Bottled water will be available for rides who don’t want to stop, as well as water (to mix with Endura Rehydration or have by itself) to fill up your own bottles or hydration packs.
Course Description - Stages
Stage 1
Departing the Mount Avoca Winery start line, the first 5kms is mostly flat as you ride past the vineyards where some of Victoria’s best red wine grapes are grown. The first climb takes riders up into the Pyrenees with a special King of the Mountains prize on offer at the top of the 7km 450hm climb. Not far from the top riders will enjoy a fast 2km single track descent and then climb their way up to the first and only multi use Feed Zone on the course.
Feed Zone 1 & 4 – Cameron’s Track Shelter
This Feed Zone is situated at the Cameron’s Track Shelter with great views over the mountain range. The full range of race food will be available, as well as water and Endura Rehydration and Endura Sports Energy Gels
Stage 2
From the feed zone riders take one of the highest roads in the Pyrenees and start the descent. Overall this stage has approx 10kms of descending mostly on exhilarating 4wd tracks, with a 3km single track section mid-way before another 4wd track plummet. The stage ends with a 3km open road section that takes you to the picturesque Perrick Winery Feed Station where your family and friends will be to cheer you on.
Feed Zone 2 – Peerick Vineyard
Sitting on top of a small hill surrounded by grape vines, this Feed Zone will be open to the public. Riders will have the chance to take in the scenic views whilst grabbing a quick bite and re-filling their water or Endura supplies.
Stage 3
This stage comes with a bit of climbing. It starts with a short 100m 20% gradient climb from the back of Perrick Winery, before descending down and then a gradual 3km climb up Miles Loop Track. At the top a sensational 4km sweeping single track descent will excite you before you start a gradual climb again taking you up to Feed Zone 3
Feed Zone 3 – Main Road intersection
Based at the intersection of Main road, this Feed Zone will have a smaller variety of food but there will be plenty of water and Endura for you.
Stage 4–Pyreneese Endurance Walk (Part I)
Before arriving at the Walk you have a bit of hard work ahead of you! You continue to climb from the Feed Zone for 2kms at a gradual gradient before dropping into an exhilarating switchback fire road descent. When this flattens off you undulate for a short while along a valley road before climbing up to Black Ride where you will turn onto the walking track for the first time. It’s not a long climb at approx 2kms but it does get a bit steep at the top. The reward is worth it though… the first half of the walking track has everything… switchback descents, switchback ascents, sections cut into the side of the hill and the odd log that you will have to step over! This section ends with a bit of climbing to get you back up to the Cameron’s Track Feed Zone (Feed Zone 1 and 4).
Stage 5–Pyreneese Endurance Walk (Part II)
From the Feed Zone you drop almost straight into single track and along the walking track. The first few kilometers are undulating before a fun downhill section that ends at a creek bed. There is a short section along this and then the walking tracks starts to head upwards. It is a bit technical at first but become easier. It will continue to undulate until you finally climb up to the top of Mount Avoca to the final Feed Zone.
Feed Zone 5 – Mount Avoca
You will have a full range of food and drink here, including vital Endura Rehydration and Endura Sports Energy Gels, to get you home.
Stage 6 – Not all down hill!
From the Feed Zone all is swell as you start descending down Main Mountain Road but you are greeted a few kilometers later by a short climb before turning onto Radigan’s Track. Again you start to descend but on three occasions this rough 4wd track turns upwards briefly but sharply before finally (and there will be a sign there for you) it sends you plummeting. After so much climbing, this 4wd track descent (that has many a rock ledge to launch off or negotiate around) is going to have you griping onto your bars and grinning ear to ear. You’re not home yet but this thrilling section is bringing you a lot closer! At the bottom there are a few undulations, you cross a paddock section and then back into the trees where a several 4wd tracks later you join the 1997 and 1998 Category 1 XC race track at the back of Mount Avoca Winery. A great final 3kms of single track and you will be rolling across the finish line on the Winery grounds surrounded by the stunning vineyards.
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