Words: Organisation

More than 80 participants from all over the world are expected to compete in the 19th edition of the International Crocodile Trophy Stage Race with start in Cairns on 19th October. They will race for 900km from Cairns to Cooktown and cover 15,000m of elevation through the incredible landscape of Queensland’s Tropical North, travelling through some of the most remote and fascinating locations in the Australian Outback.

Over the last two decades the Crocodile Trophy has become known as the oldest, hardest and most adventurous mountain bike stage race in the world. For some riders it is the challenge of a lifetime and for everyone an unforgettable adventure.

Canadian Wallace down under to tackle 24H Solo Worlds and Croc The Canadian pro-mountain bike racer

Cory Wallace will be at the start line in Cairns for the third time this year. “I want to use my experiences from the last couple of years at the Croc to have a smart race and stay out of trouble”, said Wallace as he arrived in Australia this week. With two fifth places in 2010 and 2012 and an incredible racing season 2013, the Canadian National Marathon Champion and TransRockies stage winner and overall runner-up is one of the clear favourites for this year’s 19th Crocodile Trophy. In an intense racing programme over the past few months the 29-year old won the Mongolia Challenge stage race as well as the Otaki 120, Japan’s Premier MTB Marathon and will compete in the 24 Hour Solo World Championships in Canberra this weekend. Wallace added that he had confidence in his form, “When the opportunities arise I will try to make the most of them.”

Another major contender will be last year’s overall third at the Crocodile Trophy and experienced marathon and mountain bike stage racer, Wolfgang Krenn from Austria. Among the Australian contingent of riders will be last year’s fastest Australian, Steve Rankine from Mossman near Cairns as well as five riders racing under the Amy Gillett Foundation banner.

The Crocodile Trophy will kick off with a lap race at the World Cup trails in Smithfield with the Cairns Mountain Bike Club on 19 October, before heading towards the Atherton Tablelands and into the Outback. The finish will again be on top of Grassy Hill in Cooktown on 27 October.

For more event information, visit www.crocodile-trophy.com