"We are proud to be able to sponsor and offer prize money to these world class athletes. The NORBA National Mountain Bike Series brings in the best athletes from around the globe and they deserve to be rewarded for their hard work and efforts," stated Mark Fitzsimmons, Mountain Bike Race Program Manager for FOX.

POLICE are probing the death of cyclist who fell from his bike after hitting a tree which may have been deliberately placed across a bridleway.

Local residents and dog-walkers are thought to have taken exception to off-road cyclists using Coxley Woods, near New Hall Prison, close to Flockton and a cyclist revealed today there had been a history of problems in the wood.

David Burns, 38, of Mirfield, died more than two weeks after he hit a tree laid across the bridleway in the wood.

"In this update, the Chosen Line crew go jumping, testing, downhilling, partying, around Hazzlebrook, Mittagong and Thredbo..."

Race Face Performance Products, along with Giant Bicycles and Manitou Suspension is proud to announce the fourth annual Ultimate Freeride Challenge is officially underway with the first round of rider videos now online!

The contest, which spawned the riding careers of Tyler Klassen, Matt Hunter and Wayne Goss is now set to take another rider for the amateur ranks and deliver them to super stardom. And as always: you get to decide who wins.

For those of you who are new to the UFC, here’s how it works. Every week, we’ll be posting four rider videos online for you to view and vote for who you think should advance to future rounds. The four riders who advance will be paired off in the semi-finals and once again, you’ll be asked to vote – this time choosing which two riders should meet in the finals. While final voting continues, Race Face, Giant and Manitou will fly the two finalists down to the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California and on April 16, at the BIKE Magazine Video Awards Party, we’ll be announcing the winner and signing them to a sponsorship contract worth over US$25,000!

Just remember, we’re putting the power in your hands to choose our next big sponsorship acquisition, so make your voice heard.

Click through to www.raceface.com/ufc to view and vote for the videos.

You’ve got exactly one week to view the videos and make your choice. Next Friday, we’ll let you know who advanced as we post the next round of videos online.

New mountain biking television show, “Chosen Line” will be in Thredbo filming this weekend. Starring Ricky Boyer, Denis Beare and Glenn Jacobs as well as a host of visitors including Luke Strom, Jared Rando, Claire Whiteman, Ben Cory, Adam Dossiter and Benny Morrison, all those interested in mountain biking are invited to be here in what is shaping up as a huge weekend in Thredbo.

“Chosen Line” is the brainchild of MTB guru Glenn Jacob’s and sees the riders traveling down the East Coast in their “Tours Downunder’ bus. After the launch party in Cairns a month ago, they’ve stopped over at the Sunshine Coast, Bryon Bay, Newcastle and Sydney. “We’re trying to take our sport to the next level.” said Jacob’s who is very excited about the 13 part series that has been already accepted by the Foxtel digital station “Fuel”. “We’re amazed at how mountain bike riding has changed over the years and now we’re asking the local guys in each of these towns to strut their stuff and show us what they’re up to.”

“We’re stocked to be able to host the “Chosen Line”, said Raw NRG CEO Colin Battersby, “especially with Glenn being here to make it all happen. For Skiers, Glen is the Warren Miller of mountain bike movies having made legendary films including the “Mudcows 1,2 &3”

Also, in Thredbo this weekend will be the second annual Raw NRG Chix weekend, hosted by Kona Pro Claire Whiteman.

Sunday is filming day and there is even a chance of snow on Saturday evening. For more information contact Glenn Jacobs on 0415 591877 or Colin Battersby on 0418 225 265 for interviews or more information.

Just letting you know the drill for entering the nationals...

- Online entries close Tuesday 15th March 5pm.
- Postal entries close Thursday 10th March
- Faxed entries close Friday 11th March midday.

After these dates you will NOT be able to use that method of entering...ie don't post us an entry that will arrive after the 10th as we will not be in Melbourne to receive it. Don't fax us an entry after the 11th as we will not be in the office to receive it.

After Tuesday the 15th you will ONLY be able to enter in person at Eildon BUT you will have to pay a $30 late entry fee.

So get organised and enter now!

Please check the event website, www.mtbnats.com.au for entry details.