Thrills and spills at Coronet Peak this weekend

The Vertigo Chainless Downhill race promises excitement for mountain bikers and thrills for spectators when it makes a return to the Coronet Peak Bike Park on Saturday (21 February).

Riders race without bike chains down the mountain, the winners being those with the fastest times. Spectators cheer on the competitors and get into the spirit of a great day out. Popular at mountain bike resorts the world over, chainless mountain bike races are a great equalizer suitable for first time competitors right through to hardened racers.

Hamish McCrostie, Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager, said the Vertigo Chainless was one of the most social and fun events on the mountain bike calendar.

“This event ran for the first time last year and made for a really good day for all ages. The emphasis is on getting up here and taking part; it’s not too serious. Spectators have a great time, with plenty of on-track antics to watch,” he said.

Vertigo Bikes owner and bike guru Tim Ceci said he and his four Vertigo Bikes staff members would all be giving it a go.

“The emphasis is very much on fun, but having no chain on your bike makes it very much a skills and fitness-based race, so people with good technique who can hold speed around corners just blast down the hill, and its fun to see what happens to those who don’t!”

This year the race will consist of a run on each the downhill and cross country tracks, with a combined time total score.

Race classes feature Junior, Women and Senior Men categories and fancy dress is strongly encouraged.

The event registration is from 11am – 12pm with race start at 12pm A range of spot prizes will be up for grabs as well as a special award for best fancy dress.

Coronet Peak Bike Park will remain open throughout the event with each of the Downhill and Downhill Xcountry tracks closing alternately for each race. Spectators will be able to get great views from around all courses with access via the Coronet Express lift.

“This is the last major event at the Bike Park this season so we encourage locals to participate in a fun day out,” he said.

The Coronet Peak Bike Park season opened in early January and will run until March 1. The park is open 11.30 am till 7.30pm Tuesday through Sunday and till 8.30pm on Friday each week of the season, weather permitting. Closed on Mondays.