Preview: 2024 DH National Series season opener in Glenorchy

The 2024 downhill racing season is back with a bang this weekend, kicking off with Round 1 of the AusCycling Downhill National Series in Tasmania at Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park.

The start list consists of both the 2023 and 2022 elite men’s downhill national champions Luke Meier-Smith (Giant Factory Off-Road Team/Manning Great Lakes Tip Riders) and Connor Fearon (Inside Line Inc), along with Tasmanian local Sascha Kim (Giant Factory Off-Road Team/Hobart Wheelers/Dirt Devils), who will be racing at his home club.

Kim had a standout 2023 season in the U21 Enduro World Cup series, winning two rounds among a two other podiums en route to third overall at season’s end.

This weekend at Glenorchy will be Kim’s first outing in Giant Factory Off-Road Team colours after his signing announcement on Thursday.

Meier-Smith said he remains hopeful of making it to the start line after suffering a concussion recently with a final racing decision yet to be made for Round 1.

“The off-season started great for me, getting back into things down here in Tassie in December and getting over all my lingering injured from 2023,” Meier-Smith said.

“Unfortunately, I sustained a concussion recently which has put me out of action for a few weeks now, and maybe even the Tolosa national this weekend. Fingers crossed though.

“I’m super keen to get some racing going, reset and keep building for the national championships in March and into the world cups this year with the Giant Factory Off-Road Team.”

Fearon said he was keen to kick off the 2024 racing season at Glenorchy as he looks to tick off each national series round before racing the National Championships in Awaba in March.

"I have some great memories racing here as a junior back in 2010-11.

"I’m looking forward to racing the whole National series, especially National Champs in Awaba. It’s great to have a national series back with some of the best tracks in the country."

The women’s race is likely to be a battle between Cassie Voysey (Central Coast MTB Inc), Elise Empey (Synergy 37 Racing/Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club) and Ellie Smith (Central Coast MTB Inc).

Click the link for live results.

Main photo - Connor Fearon. Picture: Matt Rousu

2024 AusCycling Downhill National Series

Round 1:

Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park, Tasmania

Date: January 13-14

Host: Hobart Wheelers Mountain Bike Club

Round 2:

Thredbo Alpine Resort, NSW

Date: February 16-17

Host: Thredbo Alpine Resort

Round 3:

Willunga, South Australia

Date: march 2-3

Host: Inside Line MTB Club