Event News

The City of Burnie, Tasmania, will provide the ideal host and launching point to the West coast wilderness for national and international teams in the 2011 Adventure Racing (AR) World Championship.

The AR World Championship is scheduled from 31 October to 11th November 2011. Teams of four athletes will race day and night over a 700km course in the disciplines of trekking, kayaking, mountain biking and roping, vying for a share of $75,000 in prize money.

Race Director Craig Bycroft said “The City of Burnie will be the perfect host for this international event, they are pulling out all stops to welcome the race and athletes in the World Championship”.

Burnie is Tasmania’s westerly most city and is the historic service centre and gateway to the wilderness of the West coast. Built originally on it’s port and industrial foundations, it is transforming into a vibrant sustainable city. When not racing competitors can relax and enjoy Burnie’s beautiful coast and beaches, it’s famous cheese, art and dining. Information on Burnie can be found at www.discoverburnie.net

Brett Whiteley, Executive Officer of Burnie Sports and Events said “ this is a magnificent coup for the City of Burnie – this is a huge win for the people of Burnie and the North West coast”.

“We were committed to winning this bid and we are very keen to place on display to the world our hospitality and support of this event. Burnie’s reputation has grown significantly over the last 15 years as it has transitioned from a not so desirable industrial town to an exciting place to live and raise a family – a place now being showcased to 30,000 cruise ship visitors each year. It is exciting to have yet another opportunity to place our credentials on the world stage.” Mr Whiteley said.

The AR World Championship is estimated to bring over $1.4 million direct spend into the Tasmania economy, plus the long term adventure tourism promotional benefits.

90 teams of four from from 21 countries will race in Tasmania making it the largest Adventure Racing World Championships ever held.

 The 2011 Adventure Racing World Championship is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania. It is also supported by Burnie Sports and Events.

More information contact Craig Bycroft on 0419 427 244 or craig@geocentricoutdoors.com.au

If you’re ready for adventure then Mountain Designs Adventure Race Australia (MD ARA) is ready for you in 2011.

From beginners to hardcore racers the MD ARA series challenges competitors in every way possible, from mountain biking to trail running to adventure legs which can include anything from kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, canyoning, tubing, coasteering, abseiling or archery!

 5 half day adventure races in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia culminating in the 18 hour Dark Side Championships in September.

 Event Video on you Tube: Adventure Race Australia

The West coast wilderness of Tasmania, Australia, will provide a rugged and wild backdrop for the Adventure Racing World Championships 2011 (ARWC 2011). Race Director Craig Bycroft said “The remote terrain of the West Coast is the perfect destination for a true expedition race - it will be an experience like no other”.

90 teams of four from around the globe will race in Tasmania making it the largest Adventure Racing World Championships ever held.

Benjamin Medina, from 2010 World Championship winning team Buff Thermocool, said "After winning the world championships in Spain, we are now preparing for Tasmania. We are very excited to experience a great adventure in XPD, and will give our best to defend our title. XPD is real non-stop adventure race, very demanding. For our European team, racing in Tasmania is a dream."

Announcements will be made shortly regarding the host town/city for the Adventure Racing World Championships 2011.

The ARWC is scheduled from 31 October to 11th November 2011 in Tasmania, Australia. Teams of four athletes from around the world will race day and night over a 700km course in the disciplines of trekking, kayaking, mountain biking and roping, vying for a share of $75,000 in prize money.

The 2011 Adventure Racing World Championship is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.

More information contact Craig Bycroft on 0419 427 244 or www.arwc2011.com

The Queenstown based Southern Traverse adventure company, which created the Adventure Racing World Series and Championship (ARWS and ARWC) ten years ago, has passed the management of the high profile international series and championship to Geocentric Outdoors of Australia.

Southern Traverse directors Geoff Hunt and Pascale Lorre established the ARWS and ARWC with the support of the Discovery Channel in 2001 as a pinnacle event for ten expedition style adventure races around the world.

"It is the only series of its kind in the world and has been most successful," says Hunt.

 "Southern Traverse is pleased to pass the event on to Geocentric which has a strong reputation in the adventure racing industry as organiser of the XPD Australia race.

We are confident the World Series will continue to grow under the influence of Geocentric directors Craig and Louise Bycroft."

Hunt says Geocentric Outdoor's professional approach makes the company the ideal successor.

"We are sorry to lose our connection with the ARWS but know that our hard work establishing the series will be continued due to the passion Craig and Louise have for the sport."

Geocentric Outdoors is upbeat about taking over the leadership of the ARWS and will stage the series and championship in Australia this year.

"We must congratulate Geoff and Pascale for their vision in creating the series and for the many years of hard work they devoted to the event," says Craig Bycroft. "We anticipate an exciting future and look forward to continued strong relationships with the Race Directors of the ARWS races as well as the many diverse and amazing athletes who are the lifeblood of the sport."

Southern Traverse spearheads a number of events in New Zealand and has recently initiated the inaugural Queenstown Bike Festival which will be staged from April 16-25 2011. For more information: Geoff Hunt www.geocentricoutdoors.com.au