International riders set for thrilling XC showdown at Mt Stromlo

The adrenaline will be pumping at Mt Stromlo this weekend as top-tier international riders descend on Canberra for action-packed rounds of the UCI Continental Series and AusCycling XC National Series.  

With valuable UCI points on the line, Australia’s best cross-country talent will go head-to-head with elite riders from New Zealand, Japan, and across Asia in what promises to be a showcase of top-class racing. 

Adding to the excitement, the overall series champions will be crowned after Round 7 on Sunday. In the elite men’s standings, Jack Ward leads the way and will be looking to keep his perfect season intact with another dominant performance.  

Meanwhile, in the elite women’s field, overall leader Izzy Flint holds a commanding lead, but she could see that disappear after deciding to sit out the final rounds due to illness. 

Leading the charge in the elite men’s field is none other than World Cup veteran and multiple Oceania champion Anton Cooper, who will wear the coveted number one plate.  

The New Zealand powerhouse will face stiff competition from long-time rival Dan McConnell, rising star Ward, and the ever-competitive Brent Rees. 

Jack Ward can wrap up the overall series title this weekend in Canberra.

Adding to the mix is a strong contingent from the Asia Union TCS Racing Team, ensuring a fierce battle for the podium. 

On the elite women’s side, local favorite Rebecca Henderson will make her much-anticipated Australian debut for the Orbea FOX Factory Team.  

Racing on her home course, the multi-time World Cup winner will bring an unrivalled knowledge of Stromlo’s technical terrain as she eyes the top step of the podium.  

However, she won’t have it all her own way, with New Zealand’s Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) shaping up as her biggest threat across the two XCO races.  

Meanwhile, expect Zoe Cuthbert to be in the mix, as she continues to establish herself among the nation’s best along with series leader Flint. 

Can Izzy Flint continue her winning ways in Canberra.

The action kicks off Friday night with Round 5 of the National Series, a high-intensity XCC race  setting the stage for a massive weekend of competition.  

Round 6 (Saturday) will feature a classic Stromlo XCO course, pushing riders to their limits on legendary trails like Cardiac Arrest and Hammerhead. —Round 7 (Sunday) will close out the event with a high-speed, less technical XCO race, ensuring a fast and furious finale. 

With international talent, fierce rivalries, and Canberra’s iconic trails in play, the Mt Stromlo rounds are shaping up to be an unmissable spectacle.  

View start list.