2012 Australian Interschools MTB Championships

2012 Australian Interschools Mountain Bike Championships

16^th to 18^th March 2012

Information Sheet

2012 Australian Interschools Entry Form

2012 Australian Interschools Schedule

2012 Australian Interschools Schools Summary Sheet

2012 Australian Interschools Risk Management Policy

South East Mountain Biking Company welcomes you to the Australian Interschool's Mountain Bike Championships in Thredbo.

Sth East MTB Co is keen to carry on the tradition of the Interschool's Mountain Bike Championships. The 2012 Australian Interschool's will be the fifteenth year the event has been run. The event is a joint venture between mountain bikings governing body, Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) and Sth East MTB Co.

The 2012 Australian Interschool Mountain Bike Championships gives riders a special chance to experience their mountain bikes and the enthusiasm and energy of this popular style of riding in a competitive, educational and supportive atmosphere.

This year the Championships will have three events: a Downhill (DH), Cross-Country (XC) and a Dual Compressor (DC) event.

This year's events have changed for a number of reasons. Racing four events over two and a half days had its environmental, financial and scheduling challenges. Also we have decided to follow the international trends re the popularity of DC events and the International Cycling Union (UCI) has eliminated 4X racing from their calendar.

The courses will still be designed for the age level and skill of participants and will be run to a strict set of rules supplied by Cycling Australia and the UCI.

The primary aim is to promote future participation in competitive cycling and develop future Australian Olympic athletes. SE MTB CO will be conducting MTB clinics in Thredbo in the week leading up to the event, which will introduce young riders to the rigors of mountain biking and also serve as a valuable pre-race training program.

1.0 Aims of Interschools Mountain Biking

School activities can be the most satisfying part of a teacher and students relationships. The Championships are an activity that you will all talk about for many years.

Motivation to take part in a team and responsibility building activity

Personal challenge

Memorable fun

Motivation to take more exercise

Motivation to take part in a sport that fosters physical development

Discovery of a sport for those who haven't found their niche

The school will benefit from meeting students and parents needs in an innovative way. The Championships Series will complement current school outdoor education, sport, recreation and physical education programs.

1.1 Cycling Aims:

SE MTB Co and MTBA aims are to:

Expand the range of organized cycling opportunities available to schools;

Provide an opportunity for students to experience 'real' mountain biking in a safe and supervised manner

Develop bike-handling skills

Develop the base for mountain bike competition in Australia

Stimulate future participation in competitive cycling and develop Australian Olympic athletes.

1.2 Race Aims

The courses set by the Race Director will be suitable for the age groups attempting the course and be of a standard relevant to open mountain bike competition.

1.3 Championship Aims:

The Championships will:

Recognize participation.

Record a personal challenge (all participants receive a record of their performance).

2.0 The Championships Overview

There are three events in the National Interschool's Mountain Bike Championships:

2.1 Downhill (DH):

The Downhill event tests riders bike handling ability, while descending a challenging course. Pedaling is used more for agility and balance. The course is accessed via Thredbos Kosciusko Express Chairlift. A full practice day is provided within the Entry Fee.

2.2 Cross Country (XC):

Cross Country tests riders ability to negotiate off road obstacles downhill, uphill and on the flats. The cross-country event tests aerobic fitness, physical endurance, strength and handling skills.

2.3 Dual Compressor (DC):

The Dual Compressor starts off with Dual Slalom, 2 riders side by side & halfway down riders will merge onto a flat track style course, including a few rollers or table tops. This type of riding of flat track racing is becoming increasingly popular overseas.

3.0 The Organisers

MTBA will be responsible for Event Insurance, sanctioning courses and for the adherence to UCI Technical Regulations.

Thredbo Alpine Resort will be responsible for emergency back up and lift operation.

3.1 Cancellations or Postponement:

The organisers reserve the right to postpone or cancel events during the Championships. This may occur due to bad weather or unsafe riding conditions.

3.2 Divisions, Individuals, Teams and School Groups:

Divisions:

Individuals:

Teams:

Teams are made up of three riders in the same division enrolled full time at a school campus.

Results of the top three riders in each team will be used to establish team ranking in the event entered.

Team members may be specified prior to the event or the teams results will automatically be compiled by placing the first 3 riders in the same division into a team.

Teams must be single sex.

A participant can only be a member of one team.

Individuals or Teams may compete in a higher Division than their school year enrolment but not in a lower Division.

Schools may enter more than one team in a Division.

School Groups:

Complete a Schools Summary Sheet.

Be responsible to the Coordinator for attendance and preparation of team members

Attend the pre-race meetings as defined in the Event Guide

Ensure team members understand race rules.

Collect, distribute and return race number plates

Ensure that all competitors have their correct race number plates

Supervise course inspection

Supervise warm up.

Ensure competitors are ready to start at the correct time and in the correct place

Ensure correct race order

Ensure team has appropriate protective clothing food and drink including race day breakfast

Monitor communication board and submit protests as appropriate

Complete race entry forms

Supervise cool down.

Entry Details:

All registration and pre-event administration will be conducted through SE MTB Co in Thredbo

The registration fee of $130 per competitor covers administration of the event, course preparation and race support. There will be a $20 late fee for entries received after Tuesday 13^th March 2012.

Withdrawals and cancellations:

Cancellations up to 14 days prior to each event will receive an 80% refund on their entry fee. After this date withdrawals will receive no refunds.

4.0 Insurance

4.1 Public Liability:

As a sanctioned school activity, school coordinators should investigate insurance provided by the school to their team members.

MTBA Day Licenses will be available at Race Registration, from the Wilderness Coast and Snowy Mountains Bike Club. Cost $20 per rider. A day license covers riders for the 3 days of the event.

Annual Junior MTBA Memberships will be available at $80 from Wilderness Coast and Snowy Mountains Bike Club. Contact SE MTB Co for more info.

4.2 Personal injury and third party cover:

5.0 Travel and Accommodation

5.1 Driving Time to Thredbo:

6 hours from Sydney via Canberra, Cooma and Jindabyne. There is a 2.5 hours from Canberra via the Monaro Highway.

5.2 National Parks Entry Fees:

5.3 Accommodation in Thredbo:

School groups can contact us for Club Lodge details that take larger groups.

Thredbo Resort Centre 1800 020 589.

Thredbo Accommodation Services 1800 810 982

Visit Snowy Mountains 02 6457 7132

Lantern Apartments 1800 020 859

House of Ullr 02 6457 6210

Candlelight Lodge 1800 020 900

5.4 Other Village Services:

Bike Shop:

SE MTB Co bike shop in Thredbo will operate during the Championships offering suspension bike hire, hire of protective equipment, spare parts and repairs. Please book early for bikes and equipment, as there is only limited available.

Supermarket, Service Station, Chemist etc

Thredbo is a fully self-contained village with all the facilities you would expect including supermarket, service station, doctor and chemist.

6.0 Team Preparation – MTB Training Camps

6.1 Clinics:

SE MTB Co will be conducting MTB skills camps in the week prior to the event. The clinics are an ideal way to prepare and become oriented with the courses.

6.2 Bicycles:

It is vital that bikes used for the Championships are in sound mechanical order. It is advised that you organize a bike safety check, perhaps with the cooperation of your local bike shop.

6.3 Bike and Equipment Rental:

SE MTB Co Thredbo has top quality Downhill and Cross Country bikes available for rental before and during the Championships. All carry suspension and come with helmets and body armour packages. All bikes are fully serviced and ready for racing and range from XC Hardtail and Dirt Jump Bikes to Kona Operator DH Bikes, and can be rented with full body armour packages.

Please note that the hire equipment will book out so please book early to avoid disappointment.

6.4 Riding Equipment:

>A full face helmet & body armour are compulsory for downhill competition.

Neck braces are strongly recommended for downhill competition.

Please note that the hire equipment will book out so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Participants will need a full set of riding equipment including:

A neck brace or body armour is strongly recommended for downhill competition.

Water Bottle

Gloves

Shoes

Rain Gear

Sunscreen

Sunglasses, goggles

Bike Lock

Event clothing - please remember that Thredbo is known to experience 4 seasons in 1 day!

Riders should consider wearing long sleeve tops and long trousers, particularly in Downhill.

7.0 The Day of the Championships

7.1 Race Registration

On arrival at Thredbo Village, the Team Manager will be responsible for registering their team at the Race Registration Centre. From registration they will receive:

Race Number Plates.

Lift tickets for Downhill practice day and race day;

T Shirt & Event Merchandise as ordered prior to the event;

Accommodation information if not otherwise stated.

7.2 Downhill Racing:

The course will be around 3.8km with a vertical drop of 600m.

There will be a number of official training sessions that will be outlined in the Event Guide Timetable.

Riders must complete a minimum of 2 compulsory practice runs during official practice. There will be one timed run for each rider. Participants must start through start gates. A participant may leave the course but must return at the point of exit to complete a valid run.

A participant may not be physically assisted during the run. Team place rankings will be accumulated the three best placings are totalled. The winning team will have the lowest point score.

Individual results are not affected by team results including team disqualification.

A rider may overtake another rider. The slower rider must give way to the faster rider. This rule does not apply in the final 200m of the course.

After the race the participant must turn and show their Race Number to the Finish Referee and then leave the run out zone.

7.3 Cross Country racing:

The circuit will be approximately 6 km long. Depending on weather and trail conditions the following distances will apply:

Division One – 3 or 4 laps

Division Two – 2 or 3 laps

Division Three – 1 or 2 laps

The Course will be open for practice on every day for the week prior to each event.

A will be provided in a suitable location near the Start/Finish Line. Team Managers can pass bottles & food in this area only.

7.4 Dual Compressor racing:

The course will be round 300 metres long. Two riders will take off riding side by side on parallel courses, flat style racing & half way down they will merge onto one track. There will be some rollovers and possibly table tops.

7.4 Decisions of the Chief of Race are final.

The Race Director may disqualify any participant before, during or after a race.

Disqualifications will be listed on the Communications Board at the Finish Area.

It is the responsibility of the Team Manager to check the Communication Boards.

Disqualification may occur for:

Late arrival

Failure to obey Race Officials

Unsporting behavior

False Name

No race number plate

False start

Assistance during the race

Team Manager enters the run out zone

At least three of the four team members must complete the course in each race, otherwise the riders will not qualify for team points but will still get their individual points

7.5 Protest procedure:

Protests may only be lodged with the Race Director or their designated representative by the Team Manager and only under the following conditions: In writing within 30 minutes of the posting of results or 15 minutes of the incident, accompanied by a $30 fee. The fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

South East Mountain Biking Company

MTB Camps

Training Information

Bike Hire

Equipment Hire

Phone: (02) 6457 6282

Web: mountainbiking.com.au

Email: info@mountainbiking.com.au