The Redback MTB Stage Race 2022
Mountain Biking at its BEST at The Redback MTB Stage Race
Press Release / 25.08.2022
“My favourite moment was out on Stage 6 - we were on the edge of this ridge looking out towards the McDonnell Ranges and I said to Tom ‘don’t ever forget how beautiful this is where you ride!’ It was simply stunning!”
– Rohin Adams, 2022 Redback Overall Male Winner.
Australia’s longest running mountain bike stage race - The Redback – hit up the trails surrounding Alice Springs with six stages over four days from Thursday 18 August to Sunday 21 August.
Rohin Adams and Madi Russell were crowned overall champions with the fastest total times across the six stages of racing; with both impressed by the riding on offer in the heart of Australia.
“It’s always great to come up here because the single track is better than you would expect!” said Adams. “To be able to race on these trails, in this land, in this environment, is really really enjoyable!”
The 13th edition of the race certainly lived up to its reputation with the quality of the courses, flowing lines and plenty of sunshine enthralling the 200 riders from across Australia who made the trek to the Red Centre.
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Race Director John Jacoby from Rapid Ascent said he was extremely happy with the event and the camaraderie amongst the riders.
“We’ve had some really good racing the past four days with some good depth in the field, especially the men’s,” said Jacoby. “The riders have been frothing over the trails and the variety it offered – from long, fast, straight-aways ridden at maximum speed, to technical switch-back climbs.”
Russell was equally as impressed despite once being a local.
“I grew up in Alice Springs but moved away in 2018, so I don’t normally ride many of these trails.” said Russell. “This event is really good because you get to get out on these awesome trails you wouldn’t normally ride!”
Day 1 on Thursday 18 August began with Stage 1 in the morning, a 36km XC race that gave riders their first taste of the Alice Springs trails with continuous sections of flowing single track. Riders then returned for Stage 2 in the afternoon for the infamous 300m ANZAC Hill Climb which was won by super-fast junior Tom Stockwell, and Madi Russell in 43.7 seconds and 74.4 seconds, respectively.
A 46km XC race for Stage 3 saw some hard racing at the pointy end of the field with Stockwell taking pole position by just 6 seconds ahead of Adams. The course saw riders dive deep into the Eastside trail network around Alice Springs that included some of the most popular local trails - Stimsons, Helmet, Perente, Carl’s, and Sink Track Eagle – before finishing at the Old Telegraph Station.
Day 3 on Saturday was a highlight for the eager riders who each raced a 22km individual time trial in the morning; followed by a night race over the same course in the evening.
“Starting to the pumping tune of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck and the red glow of the Outback sunset, this stage gave riders the most incredible thrills and racing – all done under the star-filled desert night sky!” said Jacoby.
Stockwell again won the Stage with a 22 second gap over Adams; however Adams retained the overall GC going into Stage 6 with a lead of 5 minutes 40 seconds due to his strong performance on Stage 1.
The final day of racing proved a favourite amongst the riders as they took to Stage 6’s 49km XC course with even greater enthusiasm knowing the best of the best flowing single track was saved for the finale. The stage saw Adams of Victoria cement his Redback crown ahead of Stockwell; and Russell secure her spot at the top of the overall female GC podium.
“3 years ago I came second to Paul van der Ploeg so to come back this year and take victory, I’m super happy!” said Adams.
“We are all equals on the trails – it’s literally everyone against the trails here but it’s been great to share those experiences especially as an older rider; I look forward to seeing Tom (Stockwell) mature through more racing too.” Added Adams.
Each stage certainly had riders smiling and sweating on the infinite single track, especially the red desert landscapes and sweeping views that encapsulates the Red Centre.
“Congratulations to this year’s Redback participants – it’s been great to finally get back here and see riders experienced seriously the best trails,” said Jacoby.
The easy race logistics saw competitors roll to the start lines (no car or support crew needed); and then had them sitting back by the pool in the afternoon and sharing stories with newfound friends.
The vent would not be possible without the support from the NT Government which has helped event organisers Rapid Ascent market the event at a national level and cement its’ place as Australia’s longest running mountain bike stage race.
For more information about The Redback MTB Stage Race please visit www.TheRedback.com.au.
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