NEWCASTLE GEARS UP FOR PORT TO PORT MOUNTAIN BIKING EVENT

Port-to-Port MTB Newcastle

The popular and fast-growing Port-to-Port MTB Newcastle is returning for the third year with 2016 dates officially announced today. NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres, said he was delighted to announce the Port to Port MTB, a four day mountain bike race, would return to the Newcastle region from 26-29 May 2016.

“The Port to Port is a fantastic event for our State and in just two years has grown to be a major sporting event for regional NSW, attracting participants from Australia and overseas. The world-class course showcases the spectacular scenery of Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley and I’m thrilled to announce the return of the Port to Port to this region in 2016,” Mr Ayres said.

“The NSW Government is proud to have secured the Port to Port for NSW through Destination NSW. I encourage everyone to register their participation early and I look forward to an even bigger and better Port to Port in 2016,” he said.

Following on from the success of the second annual event held earlier this year, which saw more than 500 recreational and professional riders participate, the Port to Port MTB has firmly set its eyes on continued growth.

Event Director Chris Heverin says that he is excited to be bringing the Port to Port MTB to the Newcastle Region for its third year in 2016: “We are excited to be releasing the dates for Port to Port MTB for 2016, the third year of this iconic event. Over the last two years we have built a course across Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter that is absolutely world class with a huge variety of trails and challenges that will be enjoyed and conquered by riders of all abilities and fitness levels,” Mr Heverin said.

The Port to Port MTB is rapidly becoming a highly recognised event locally, nationally and internationally and a large contributing factor to this is the Newcastle region’s incredible tourism offerings for the rider and their support crew.

The Port to Port MTB begins at the tranquil Nelson Bay Marina, where riders are greeted by four days of coastal tracks, fire trails, testing hill climbs and steep descents through the Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Region.

Registrations for the 2016 Port to Port MTB are now open. Go to porttoportmtb.com for more information.