The international governing body for cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has confirmed today that it has awarded the exclusive management and marketing rights of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup to a partnership made up of two sports companies, GESTEV of Canada and 23 Degrees Sports Management of Spain.

Both companies are delighted with the news and look forward to further developing the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup property from 2006, a property that has existed since 1991. The arrangement means that from 2006 through to 2010 inclusive, the series will be managed outside of the UCI, but naturally the UCI retains ownership of the property, and is responsible for the rules of competition.

GESTEV, which has been at the forefront of quality mountain bike race promotion since the late 1980’s, has hosted World Cup events at Mont-Sainte-Anne (CAN) since 1991 as well as at Grouse Mountain (CAN), Mazatlan (MEX), Silver Star (CAN), Mount-Snow (USA), Wellington (NZL) and Bromont (CAN) including two World Championships (1992 and 1998) and special participation to the 1996 World Championships in Cairns (AUS) and 1999 World Championships in Are (SWE). Gestev also managed several international mandates such as Press Coordination and Sponsorship Implementation on the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup circuit for many years. GESTEV is lead by the Quebecois duo of Patrice Drouin and Chantal Lachance who have worked together on mountain bike racing for close to 20 years. 23 Degrees is lead by former UCI Technical Delegate Martin Whiteley, an Australian based in Spain, who has attended more than 100 World Cups for the UCI between 1994 and 2000, and has since managed two very successful race teams and a number of athletes. Both companies bring different qualities and experiences to the project, but one thing remains clear, both are very passionate about the future of the sport and its World Cup.

Martin Whiteley (23 Degrees): “This represents a very important opportunity for our sport. We look forward to working in partnership with the UCI, the media, the sponsors, the venues, teams and athletes in taking the World Cup to the new level that the UCI and us have envisaged for it from 2006. We take this responsibility very seriously and we also respect that there’s a lot to do between now and 2006. We are all about listening to the voices of concern, and reacting accordingly, as well as bringing our own vision to the project.”

Patrice Drouin (GESTEV): “We are very happy to tandem with 23 Degrees Sports Management in this exciting project. Together with our partners, we expect that the mountain bike community will be very happy with our work, because we will be our own toughest critics.”

The first step of the process, determining dates for the 2006 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, is well underway, and venues will be determined later in the year, but not later than the end of August. Those interested in bidding should contact Patrice Drouin, President of GESTEV directly at: pdrouin@gestev.com

Dirt Works Australia and star rider Grant Allen have joined forces with the biggest names in freeriding.

Grant will be riding Banshee frames, Fox forks & shocks, Synchros tyres and components, Hayes brakes, Hadley hubs & Wheelcraft wheels.

"Grant is continually refining his craft and we are proud to supply him with the best tools."

MTBA National Series #4 Downhill – Kooralbyn Valley 12th/13th February

Hope you all had a great New Years.

The racing season has started and this will be our first race of the year 2005.

You will get the chance to ride the Kooralbyn downhill again. We are hosting the Round #4 of the National Series so come out and have a great week-end downhilling. Two days downhilling with transport. Practice all day Saturday except for Official lunch break and Sunday morning with racing starting Sunday 12 noon.

As this course is on private property it is the only chance you will get to ride on this track apart from the State Championships much later in the year. For those who have ridden at Kooralbyn you all know what a great downhill course it is with more improved sections being built specially for the National Round.

The track will be closed for riding on the Friday but you will be able to walk the course.

If you are wanting to stay at Kooralbyn the Resort has special rates for competitors. Just mention you are here for the National Round when booking to get your discount.

For all the info check out our website www.twowheelpromotions.com.au and download an entry form.

Entries close on the 1st February so get them downloaded and faxed on 07-55435-144 or mailed to P.O. Box 204, Canungra.

We are also putting in a bid to host the 2006/2007/2008 National Championships up here in QLD so we would like to see as many local competitors and spectators as we can. Come along and support your local round and have a great week-ends racing.

Pass the word around and we look forward to receiving all your entries. Same great racing, same great timing of event.