- One of Asia-Pacific's biggest mountain bike events confirmed for another three years
- Cape to Cape to attract thousands of visitors to the South West from next month, providing a boost to the local economy
- Event covers more than 200km with $25,000 in prize money up for grabs
One of Asia-Pacific's largest and longest-running mountain bike races will remain in Western Australia for the next three years, with the Cook Government today confirming a new funding deal.
The four-day Cape to Cape MTB race is a multi-day endurance event held in the South West that covers approximately 200km across diverse terrain, such as coastal trails, national parks, forest, farmlands, mountain bike parks and bushland.
The annual event drives visitors to the region, providing a boost to local tourism and hospitality businesses and serving as a gateway for visitors to discover the region's rich landscape.
Catering to all levels of experience and ability, the popularity of the Cape to Cape event has significantly grown since it first began in 2008, from 100 riders in its first year to now more than 1,300 riders annually.
In this year's event, which runs from 17-20 October, elite riders will compete for $25,000 in prize money.
The courses chosen each year aim to challenge riders and provide scenic routes through some of the best trails the South West has to offer, this year with a new addition of Nannup Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park.
This year's Cape to Cape has attracted an internationally recognised elite field headlined by four-time Olympian and dual World Championship medallist Rebecca Henderson.
Joining her is newly crowned Oceania Champion Brent Rees, national champions Cameron Ivory and Izzy Flint, Olympian Dan McConnell and rising WA star Connor Wright.
The 2023 event saw over 2,200 thousand visitors inject close to $2.8 million into the local economy and was supported through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program.
Mass participation events are key part of the Western Australian Government's events strategy, with nine mass participation events in 2023-24 injecting over $34 million in direct spend into the economy.
For more information, visit www.capetocapemtb.com
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Cape to Cape MTB has gained a strong reputation as one of the biggest and best mountain bike events in the Asia-Pacific region, and we're very excited to continue our support for the event with this new three-year deal.
"Mass participation events like the Cape to Cape are more than just races; they offer time-specific reasons for visitors to travel and explore regional tourism areas, which enhances community vibrancy and provides a boost for the local economy.
"By attracting thousands of participants, the event not only drives tourism and economic outcomes but also offers a global audience the chance to admire the South West's natural beauty, with a highlights program broadcast internationally."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"We're proud to continue our support for the Cape to Cape Mountain biking event for a further three years, bringing even more visitors to our incredible South West region into the future.
"Events are vital for supporting and diversifying our regional economies, and the WA Government is proud to once again be supporting the Cape to Cape Mountain biking event through the Regional Events Program, funded by Royalties for Regions."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"The Cape to Cape has become a staple on our annual events calendar, and we're really excited that it's been locked in for another three years here in the South West.
"These types of events are always fantastic for local businesses, giving competitors and their supporters the chance to enjoy all the South West has to offer with its world-class food, wineries, tourism experiences and scenery."
