Revelstoke was selected as one of five host towns for the new Singletrack 6 mountain bike stage race that will launch in 2014.
“This is an exciting opportunity to showcase Revelstoke and our amazing trail system,” said Meghan Tabor, Revelstoke’s tourism coordinator, who put together the application for Revelstoke to host the race. “It’s a natural fit for us to be hosting a world class event here to expose our networks to the masses.”
Singletrack 6 is being organized as a replacement for the 12-year-old TransRockies Challenge, a multi-day race through the Rocky Mountains.
Instead of that race, the organizers are hosting a new series that will see racers compete in six different races over six days in five different communities.
The race will kick off in Kananaskis on July 26, 2014. It will then move off to Nipika Mountain Resort, Radium Hot Springs, Golden (for two stages) and will finish in Revelstoke on July 31.
Tabor said the race is expected to bring from 300–500 racers to town, plus support staff, friends and family. She said it will bring benefits to the community beyond just the race itself.
“The level of exposure of this type of thing is something that cannot be purchased – cycling enthusiasts from around the world bringing their families and friends; exposing them to what Revelstoke has to offer in terms of quality mountain bike trails for longer stays to our community in the future,” she said.
The Revelstoke stage will take place at Mt. Macpherson and will include about 45 kilometres of riding that will culminate in a ride back to town and the closing party. The actual route will be revealed in September. Tabor said a race a course has been proposed and the organizers were taken for a ride along it last month.
She said Revelstoke specifically asked to host the final stage and evening gala, with the hopes that racers, organizers and their friends and family will stick around through the weekend (the race ends on a Thursday).
In a news release, organizers said their goal is to “showcase premiere Western Canadian mountain bike communities.” The stages will include traditional cross country races, enduro events and time trials, depending on the location.