VERTIGO BIKES DIRTMASTERS DOWNHILL
This technically demanding course will start at the top of the Queenstown Bike Park and finish in Brecon Street, bringing World class downhill riders directly into the heart of the town.
"Daredevils of all ages, time to whip the blouse off and tackle the bike park at full speed on a new course featuring high speed berms, technical rock and root sections and some sweet air."
Wise words from our good friend Blair Christmas, who designed and built the Remarkable Downhill course used in the first round of the natiional downhill series. He is injecting some of his know how into a new designed course!
The event is run in the Queenstown Bike Park over two days - Tuesday practise and Wednesday race, and is sponsored by Vertigo Bikes. Apart from having the largest quality bike rental fleet in Queenstown (from DH bikes, kids bikes, recreatioal bikes, Xcountry full suspension and more), they also offer guided MTB trips all over the region, and for all levels, check them out at www.vertigobikes.co.nz
Cost per individual is $90, however if you are not a season pass holder, you will need a pass for the two days. Skyline Gondola have very generously discounted the pass for the two days of the race and the $130 all inclusive rate (with gondola transport) is only available to the Dirtmasters racers.
Check out a couple of the previous Dirtmasters videos DirtMasters Youtube or Youtube 2
Date: 27 March Race starts at 2pm
Location: Queenstown Bike Park, Brecon Sreet
Fees: Season Pass holder $90, Non pass holder $130 (includes Skyline Gondola pass for two days - very discounted price, thanks Skyline!)
There will be more information and news as we get closer to the event, so stay tuned!
Based on UCI international specifications, the trail will have elements of “narrow and broad tracks, woodland roads and paths, field paths and rocky tracks".
Race Categories: Male or Female
Age on Race Day
....Junior 12-14
....Junior 15-16
....Junior 17-18
....Open 19 +
....Vet / Masters 1 30-39
....Legend / Masters 2 40 +
Monday 25th March
6.30 to 7.30 pm Registration at Vertigo Bikes, Breacon Street
Tuesday 26th March
9.00am Registration for those who couldn't register on Monday evening at the bottom of the Gondola
9.45 am Race briefing. All racers need to be present. At the Bottom of the Gondola
10.15- 12.15am Competitor practise - slow runs
2-4pm Competitor practise - Race Pace- qualification seeding rounds
Wednesday 27th March
10.15-12.15am Practise runs
2-4pm Race time
6pm Race Prize-Giving
6pm -> Race Party @ Lone Star
The 2013 Course
The course is still being designed. Just hold your breath for a little while.
The Finish Line / Arena
Riders finish directly into the heart of town, where World class downhill winners are announced and take their turn in the hot seat.
DJ’s and our commentators will keep everyone up to date and entertained, ‘The Village’ created is a great place to spot stars and soak up the atmosphere.
Practice and qualifications Qualifications and practise occur on this section on Tuesday 26th March.
Race briefing each day at 9.45am
All racers will need to be present and sign in.
Route Markings
The course will be marked with tape and arrows as required.
Timing
Timing will be done by Hamish Seaton of Dunedin. Timing gate will be placed after the crossing of Skyline access road.
DNF
If you are pulling out of a race (DNF or Did Not Finish), you MUST sign off as DNFed at the timing area.
This is to ensure that everybody is accounted for at the conclusion of the race.
Marshals
Marshals will be placed at race key points and will be in radio communication with the base, and with St Johns who are providing our safety back up.
Prize Giving at the Lone Star
Prize giving will be held on site, all welcome.
All placegetters will be invited to come to the podium.
Join us for the celebrations at the Lone Star.
DirtMasters will closely follow the MTBNZ and UCI guidelines
DOWNHILL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
MTBNZ have introduced a minimum body armour rule for competitors riding in MTBNZ National and Championship events.
Guiding Principle:
All equipment used should have been designed and sold with the express purpose of being used as protective sports clothing.
Note: in all divisions. Knee and elbow protection required with short and long sleeve jerseys and pants.
Compulsory
1. Full Face Helmet
Requirements
• Single construction full face type
• Safety certified at an ASTM F1147; AS/NZS 2063; CE (EN1078) or Snell (B90 or B95) acceptable level.
Not permitted.: Any helmet without an integral chin guard.
2. Gloves
Requirements: Gloves giving full finger coverage.
Not permitted: Partially fingered gloves.
3. Elbows/Forearms
Requirements
• Long sleeve jersey giving full arm cover to the wrist, with Knee and elbow protection, OR:
• Short sleeve jerseys worn with elbow protectors with the following properties
- Self fastening: does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
- Can be stand alone elbow protectors or as part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
- Can be elbow only or combined elbow/forearm protection.
Not permitted: Short sleeved jerseys (elbow and above), when worn without elbow protection
4. Knee/Shin
Requirements
• Long leg pants giving full cover to the ankle, OR:
• Short leg pants worn with knee protectors with the following properties:
- Self fastening? does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
- Can be stand alone leg protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
- Can be one piece knee/shin protectors or separate knee and shin padding.
Not permitted: Short leg pants (above ankle), when worn without knee protectors
5. Footwear
Requirements
• Enclosed footwear
Highly Recommended
1. Spinal
Requirements
• Self fastening: does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Cover full length of back (spine) from between shoulder blades to tail bone.
• Can be fully, partially or non articulated in design.
• Can be stand alone back protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
Not permitted: Motocross style “roost guards” unless with a specific back protector, not just a rear roost deflector.
2. Shoulder
Requirements: does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Outer shell should be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
• Can be stand alone shoulder protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
3. Neck Brace
Requirements
• Self fastening: does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Leatt Brace style construction or similar
As the new 2013 course is being designed, we are unable to give more details as to where the best viewing spots will be. Just join in Facebook to get the newest infos.
Music From 2 to 5pm provided by local DJ at the finish line.
Food and Drink: It is thirsty, hungry work watching ultimate mountain bike action, especially if you are walking the courses. If you are out and about, remember to stock up with some water and snacks beforehand. The bars and restaurants at the finish line will be serving food and drinks.
