Rainbows ready to shine in the tropics at 2024 UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships

Smithfield Mountain Bike Park is on the brink of an international invasion with the commencement of the 2024 UCI MTB Masters World Championships in Cairns this week.

More than 25 countries will be represented across the five days of competition, from as far away as Sweden to across the ditch in New Zealand as cross-country and downhill riders vie for the rainbow jersey.

International riders practice ahead of the UCI MTB Masters World Championships in Cairns.

AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner welcomed the competitors to Far North Queensland for what will see the best masters' riders on the start line.

“It’s going to be a massive few days of racing with downhill finals on Saturday and XC finals closing out the Championships on Sunday.

“A lot of work has gone into preparing the trails to be ready for this event so thank you to all stakeholders for their efforts.

“I encourage people to come out and support the Aussie’s as they go for gold in their home country,” she said.

This year also marks the return of an iconic section of trail, Jacobs Ladder. The stretch known for its tight switchbacks has been out of action in previous years due to trail works.

Jacobs Ladder holds a lot of history at Smithfield and was included in the course in 2017, when the UCI World Championships last visited Cairns.

Riders must be at least 35 years old to compete in Master’s World Championships with age categories split into five-year increments.

Downhill riders during practice at the UCI MTB Masters World Championships in Cairns.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said mountain biking had grown rapidly in the region to become an $80 million industry with events like the UCI MTB Masters World Championships further adding to its reputation.

“Tropical North Queensland welcomes the Masters athletes to our region and trust they will enjoy exploring our reef and rainforest environment before relaxing in the evenings and soaking up our laidback tropical lifestyle,” he said.

Queensland’s Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy says that Cairns is the destination for competitive cycling.

“From the UCI Master Mountain Bike World Championships this weekend, to Crankworx next weekend, Cairns is establishing itself as the destination for world-class cycling and mountain biking events.

“Competitors and spectators could not find a more picturesque backdrop than the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest in this spectacular region in Queensland.

“This event is also a win for our local economy, with hundreds of visitors expected to attend, which is great for local hospitality and accommodation providers and industry workers.

“It’s a great chance for fans and competitors to get out and enjoy the Cairns regions amazing visitor experiences and wonderful hospitality and see first-hand why Queensland continues to stake our claim as the nation’s sporting events capital.”

The event is supported by Cairns Regional Council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

You can find the schedule for the 2024 UCI MTB Masters World Championships here.

Photo Credit: AusCycling