Wheels in motion at JCU

Competitors will be racing on trails through the Smithfield Conservation Park, which borders the James Cook University campus on one side and the Kuranda National Park on the other.

The event, which promises a welcome economic boost to Far North Queensland, could not be staged without use of JCU facilities.

“We’re preparing to welcome mountain bike enthusiasts from around the world to Cairns and to our campus,” James Cook University Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding said.

“This is an important event for Cairns and it’s our pleasure to help make it a great success.

“While we’ll be barracking for JCU business student Tracey Hannah, we’re looking forward to seeing tough competition on the slopes."

Professional downhill rider and part-time business student Tracey Hannah is currently ranked number one in Australia, and third in the world.

“There’s nothing better than competing at home, with that fantastic local support,” Ms Hannah said.

“Although I’ve got plenty of riding and competing to do between now and the World Championships, September in the rainforest in Smithfield is what this year’s all about.”

More than 20,000 spectators are expected to attend, with more than six million viewers around the world expected to tune into the action.

The event will run from 5-10 September, coinciding with the University’s mid-semester lecture recess.

For more information on the UCI 2017 Mountain Bike World Championships:

http://mtbworldscairns.com.au