Illawarra mountain bikers can't wait to host this Sunday's opening round of the NSW Downhill Series at Greenvalleys Mountain Bike Park at Albion Park.
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Illawarra has some of the best downhill and cross-country bike riders in Australia including teenage Aussie under-19s rep Alec Reid, but have been increasingly frustrated with nowhere to race, no track and inadequate facilities to match the growing interest in the sport.
The Illawarra hasn't hosted a round of the prestigious series in more than 20 years and want it to be a big day promoting the sport locally and send a message to local councils they need their own permanent racing home.
But on Sunday the focus is squarely on racing, with around 30 Wollongong Mountain Bike Club riders from under 15s to seniors going full throttle as hosts of the first of three rounds of the NSW Downhill Series at Greenvalleys Mountain Bike Park at Tongarra.
"The opportunity for the club with Greenvalleys to host this event is fantastic," Wollongong Mountain Bike Club Downhill co-ordinator Craig Wynn said.
"It has been a huge effort by some of the local riders to build a downhill track from scratch for this event. It is good for the large number of local riders to be able to race in their local area."
A ride day to try the new track for more than 100 competitors was positive with one rider commenting: "This track is going to sort the men from the boys."
Wollongong Mountain Bike Club junior and AvantiPlus Wollongong-sponsored rider Aidan Wynn is keen to do well.
Aidan was the under 15 NSW State Downhill champion in 2012 before a horrific accident in training for the National series in January 2013 left him with a broken back, in a brace for four months and off a bike for a year.
Now on the comeback trail, Aidan was fifth at the NSW State championships at Thredbo last March.
The first round of the NSW Downhill Series will feature over 200 riders from across the state fearlessly going flat out down a steep course.
Other Wollongong riders hoping to grace the podium are Connor O'Dwyer, Luke Simpson Elite, Josh Bishop Elite and Kieran Volk.
Also being held at the same location on the weekend will be the Xup dirt jump competition.
Practice is on Saturday, with racing in various classes and age groups on Sunday.
For more information about Wollongong Mountain Bike Club check out the club's website wmbc.asn.au.