The Redback is coming to Alice Springs in 2015

Press Release / 26.11.2014

One of Australia’s legendary mountain bike stage races has just been given new legs and will return in 2015 as The Redback!
 
The Redback provides four days and six stages of some of the most inspiring mountain biking Australia has to offer, racing along the jaw-dropping trails around Alice Springs, Northern Territory.
 
Alice Springs is surrounded by kilometre after kilometre of hand built single track made for mountain bikes by mountain bikers and The Redback makes full use of these quality trails that everyone enjoys so much.
 
The six stages of The Redback are extremely varied, offering up stunning 40-50km cross country stages through to a 22km night race and a 300m climb up Alice Spring’s Anzac Hill.
 
Competitors come from across Australia and increasingly overseas to compete in this iconic event with over 200 riders expected to participate in The Redback event in August 2015.
 
This year’s winner Ben Mather from Tasmania raves about the event and encourages more people to attend.
 
“Those who haven’t done the event for a while or are yet to do it are definitely missing out,” Ben Mather said.
 
“The locals have put a lot of work into making new single track and improving the existing ones and it’s a really good event,” said Mather.
 
The event was formerly conducted as the Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro and although Ingkerreke Commercial remains as presenting partner of the event, race organisers Rapid Ascent decided it was time to revamp the event format.
 
“The award-winning event is now in its eighth year and we’re keen to spice it up a bit,” said Sam Maffett, Race Director, Rapid Ascent.
 
“We’ve condensed the event format to 4 days, moved it to August, updated stages to include more of the region’s great trails and are now offering individual stage entries as well a total six-stage package.
 
“We’ve essentially just made a great mountain bike event even better!” said Maffett.

The new event format still allows plenty of time for riders to socialise after racing and to explore Alice Springs. The social side is one of the identifying factors of the event and is extremely valued by competitors who often combine it with an extended holiday to the region.
 
“I had forgotten how much fun riding in and around Alice is,” said 2014 female winner Jo Bennett from Western Australia who hadn’t done it since first competing in 2009.
 
“Most of all, the camaraderie between all the riders over the week makes this event what it is, and brings us back. 
 
“If you have thought about contending this event, you should. It is achievable for all riders no matter your ability. And once you have arrived in Alice everything is only 5 minutes away by bike!
 
“I’ve loved the event and will definitely be back next year with my husband,” she said.
 
Jessica Douglas from Victoria finished third overall female in 2014 and will be returning in 2015 as one of the event ambassadors. Jessica is a huge fan of the event and riding in Alice Springs.
 
“This is not just a stage race, it’s a 5 star stage race - live it up in luxury in your accommodation, race for a few hours, get a massage, have an afternoon nap, eat lunch by the pool... chat with new friends... whatever takes your fancy. So you can see why this event feels like a holiday!
 
“Alice Springs 2015, I am back for more fun and awesome trails. The Redback is the perfect event for both adventure and travel,” said Jessica Douglas.
 
Canberra rider James Downing will also be returning again in 2015 and will be an event ambassador, which means people can email him questions about the event and how best to prepare for it.
 
“I've done the event for the last two years and for me it is the perfect opportunity to escape the dreary winter weather and hit up some of the best singletrack in the country. Nothing quite beats the stage race lifestyle of riding, eating, sleeping... and chilling out by the pool after each stage. It is simply living the dream!!!” said Downing.
 
Ingkerreke Commercial is pleased to once again be the presenting sponsor of the event. Ingkerreke (pronounced: In-ger-uka) is an Aboriginal owned, Alice Springs based all trades construction company.
 
Ingkerreke Commercial CEO Scott McConnell says “This race is of enormous benefit to the people of Alice Springs and Ingkerreke is all about supporting our local community. The word Ingkerreke means ‘All together’ and reflects the corporation’s values as portrayed in the tag line: ‘Together we are stronger’.
 
The Redback will be held from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd August 2015, with the event based from the Chifley Alice Springs Resort.
 
Combine the 2015 improvements with the easy race logistics, friendly atmosphere and quality trails of the old race and this is one incredible mountain bike event.
 
Entries to The Redback 2015 are now open at theredback.com.au

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