More than 200 local school students took part in the first Hunter School Mountain Bike Club racing event today at Glenrock.
The championship event is the result of a partnership between Hunter Christian School and Hunter Valley Mountain Bike Club, giving local kids a chance to get involved with mountain biking through coaching opportunities and racing events.
The initiative offers affordable after-school coaching, before-school gym and breakfast sessions and bike lock-up facilities for students at Hunter Christian School, but event organiser Jason English says students from all across the region can take part in the events.
"Doesn't matter what type of school you go to, whether it's primary or high school, whether it's a public school or a private school," said Mr English, who is a national mountain biking champion.
"We just wanted to create an event that's open for all kids, and that's what we've done."
Today's race was sponsored by a number of local businesses including Cycle Fitness Nutrition, which was forced to relocate away from Newcastle's CBD due to the disruption caused by the light rail development.
"Most of the local bike shops have come on board with some serious sponsorship, so the kids have been racing for some awesome prizes today." Jason English said.
Mr English says he hopes to run a three-race series next year, with students at today's event asking 'What's next?' on the event calendar.
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| Image: clickk.com.au |
