Australia's best set to light up Wagga Wagga for 2024 AusCycling Marathon National Championships

01 May 2024 | 01:10 PMBy: AusCycling

Australia's leading cross-country marathon riders will once again tear up the trails of Pomingalarna Reserve in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales for the 2024 AusCycling Marathon National Championships. 
 
For the third consecutive year, the trails at the popular cycling venue will test the very best from May 4-5. 
 
Among those set to line up and chase the green and gold jersey in the elite men’s race is 2024 XCO national champion Cameron Ivory, 2023 Marathon National Championships silver medallist Tasman Nankervis, and five-time marathon national champion Brendan Johnston.
 
Also chasing a spot on the podium will be Scott Bowden, who finished fourth at last year's national championships and knows how tough the marathon race can be.

 
“I’m feeling excited to race in Wagga again, on what I believe to be a course that provides exciting racing.  
 
“I always like to race for the win but am also realistic that there are a lot of guys fitting in a lot more hours of training than me and you can get found out pretty quick over a 100km MTB race. I just hope to find myself at the front of the race deep into the race and then who knows.  
 
“I really like that the course has a bit of everything. Lots of single track but also a good amount of fire trail to drink and eat, and I really enjoyed the BMX track section, and the finish on the velodrome, Paris Roubaix style is a nice touch.” 
 
The elite women’s race will see 2022 champion Emma Viotto return to Wagga Wagga as well as defending champion Peta Mullens.  
 
Mullens said last year’s win was special, and while she will be at the start line again this year, she is keeping her expectations in check following a disrupted training schedule due to some health issues.  

 
“The win in 2023 was my 12th individual national title. It actually meant a lot to me at this point in my career. I raced a four-hour gravel event the week prior and could hardly move all week. In the race I was dropped multiple times so to come back from that type of start after such a tumultuous week was pretty emotional. I was really proud of my fight that day. 
 
“I don’t expect to defend my jersey, but I love the course and I love watching other women race fast so I’ll be there to support the event and give it my best. 
 
“After a short two-week trip to the US to kick-off the Lifetime Grand Prix races series at Sea Otter, I’ve returned home to support a few awesome events in Australia; XCM Champs and SEVEN Gravel. But then it’s back to the US for Unbound and a few criteriums, then another month back in Australia for Noosa Enduro, before a longer three-month block to finish off the US racing season which hopefully finishes with the World XCM Champs in Snowshoe. "
 
AusCycling Executive General Manager Sport Kipp Kaufmann said: 
 
“AusCycling is thrilled to be bringing the Marathon National Championships back to Wagga Wagga for the third consecutive year. We appreciate the continued assistance from MTB Wagga and Wagga Wagga City Council to deliver this national event, which attracts hundreds of riders from all corners of the country.  
  
“The course and facilities provided by the club and the council are fantastic. We have seen some thrilling racing in Wagga over the past two editions of the national championships and we can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store this weekend.” 
 
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout is pleased the championships are returning to Wagga Wagga.

“It’s great to have the AusCycling Marathon National Championships returning to Wagga Wagga for the third year in a row.

“The Multisport Cycling Complex and cycling precinct at Pomingalarna is an excellent facility that Council has put a lot of effort into upgrading in recent years, so it bodes well for Wagga Wagga and surrounds that it is attracting events of this calibre.

“I encourage the local community to go to the event on Sunday to see these elite cyclists in action.”

The 2024 AusCycling Marathon National Championships will be held on Sunday May 5 at Pomingalarna Reserve, Wagga Wagga, NSW starting at 9am.

2024 Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships

Location: Pomingalarna Reserve, Wagga Wagga, NSW
Dates: May 4-5, 2024
More information: 2024 Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships

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The 2024 Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships are proudly supported by City of Wagga Wagga.