The national mountain biking and BMX fraternity will be fully focussed on Mount Gambier this weekend when the Blue Lake city hosts the Red Bull UCI Pump Track world qualifier. 

For the first time in two years, the international event returns to Australia’s maiden Velosolutions Pump Track at the Hastings Cunningham Reserve. 

 There will be plenty on offer for thrill seekers and spectators alike with some high-calibre riders set to bombard the tight and technical layout relentlessly during the two days of action. 

Saturday is all about practice for competitors to familiarise themselves with the track before  the 32 fastest riders go head- to-head in a thrilling knock-out  format on Sunday afternoon. 

Depending on COVID restrictions, the winner and podium makers may get the chance to travel overseas and represent the country on the world stage. 

Despite a two-year gap since the successful inaugural pump track event, Mount Gambier Mountain Bike Club president Shane de Jong said it remains the pinnacle of the sport in Australia. 

“The downhill national and pump track championships were recently held, but that was not UCI sanctioned, so this will be a one-off in Australia which is pretty huge,” he said. 

The track itself was designed by mountain biking legend and Velosolutions founder Claudio Caluori and he has incorporated a mix of berms, roller jumps, doglegs and transfers catering for beginners through to the elite. 

De Jong said it presented a nice combination between BMX and mountain biking. 

“It is a bit of a blend for BMX and mountain bike riders, but more technical than a BMX track with tighter corners,” he said. 

“BMX riders tend to go a bit faster because they are used to pushing more, but there a few mountain bike rides around Australia who can take it to them.” Although COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 edition, de Jong said the pump track had helped all bike-related activities grow during the challenging recent times. 

“As far as I am aware it is the only Velosolutions built pump track in Australia, so hats off to the Mount Gambier Council for getting it done,” he said. 

“It is pretty huge for the community and bike riding has grown a lot over the last 12 months. 

“It is a nice way to build your skills and fitness after work which can help with any other riding you do too.” Aside from the uncertainly surrounding the possibility of the fastest rider being allowed to compete for international glory at the worlds, de Jong said scheduling hadalso caused a big headache. 

No less than 50 rides led by winners  Wade Turner and Marnie Williams competed in 2019, but many of these big names may not be able to return to the  Limestone Coast due to competing interests. 

“We are not sure how many will compete at this stage because there is an  Australian BMX round at Sydney on as well, so a lot of big names like Bodi and Wade Turner may not come,” he said. 

“Everyone is edging towards them taking a chance on going to the Olympics which is a bit of a shame taking away from our event. 

“It was all a bit rushed in the end and the commentator pulled out at the last minute, but Emma Lamb has done an awesome job at City Council again. 

“I know last time there were a lot of people from places like Perth, Sydney and Queensland, so hopefully people have the same approach this year.”

The entry fee is $20 and riders must be over 17 to participate, while spectators can enjoy the comfort of the grandstands, Red Bull Athletes lounge and local business displays around the venue.