Flight Centre Active Travel Cycle Epic
Epic Ride for McEwen
News Release / 12.08.2013
Australian cycling legend Robbie McEwen will turn his attention to off-road racing next month in support of the nation’s pioneer mountain bike event, the Flight Centre Active Travel (FCAT) Cycle Epic.
The 11th staging of the Epic at Spicers Hidden Vale in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, is being held on the weekend of September 14-15.
McEwen, the Queensland-based triple Tour de France green jersey winner, has recently taken to cyclo-cross racing and is working with Epic organiser and track builder Hayden Brooks to design a course and put on a showcase CX event during the Epic weekend.
“After spending my professional career in all the big races like the Tour, Giro and Vuelt as well as Olympics and world titles, it’s great to be given the opportunity to help promote another form of cycling I am passionate about,” McEwen said.
“I’m really excited to be collaborating with Hayden Brooks to develop this CX event and I’ll be having a crack myself and bringing the family along for a ride.”
Flight Centre founder Graham ‘Skroo” Turner and his wife Jude have helped sponsor McEwen's Gold Coast Festival of Cycling through FCAT and have built a lasting relationship with the renowned sprinter.
“Robbie is now returning the favour by supporting the longest running mountain bike marathon in Australia,” Brooks said.
“Robbie and his family are all avid cyclists and are very keen to be part of the Epic festival. This year the Epic is helping schools to raise funds for their local charities and committees.
“There are a range of events on the Epic weekend tailored for children. The school that generates the most entries will be awarded a cheque to the full value of the entry funds received of all their schools registered entrants.
“We’re hoping to attract more than 2,000 riders to compete in the various events after a record of 1700 competitors entered last year’s event.”
The highlight of the Epic weekend is the 87km marathon on Sunday, September 15. The event, which has FCAT as major sponsor, has been won over the years by some of the biggest names in Australian mountain biking.
The weekend has multiple events and activities beyond the 87km marathon, including the 50km Pursuit, the 20km Spicers Chaser, Mini and Minor Epics for children, plus a 4.2km free Family Fun Ride.
Robbie McEwen participated in the Tour de France 12 times and had 12 stage wins. At his peak he was considered one of the fastest sprinters in the world. He last rode for Orica-GreenEDGe in this year’s UCI World Tour and is now a technical advisor for the team.
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The Flight Centre Cycle EPIC is on 14-15 September at Spicers Hidden Vale located at Grandchester, about 55 minutes’ drive from Brisbane.
For more information about the Epic or to register for the event go to: http://www.cycleepic.com.au/ or Facebook fb.com/hiddenvaleadventurepark Flight Centre Active Travel (FCAT) is a new division of Flight Centre that provides the opportunity to combine clients' love of travel, fitness and adventure in spectacular destinations all around the world. www.fcactivetravel.com
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