Rookie Cup coming to Black Hill

THE first round of the 2023 Joyride Rookie Cup Victoria will be hosted by Club MUD at Black Hill Reserve on the first weekend of September.

The club’s acting president Craig Moorey said the under-17 junior downhill mountain bike series will be a feeder for state rounds.

“Joyride know that Club MUD has been doing junior development work for the last 15 years, and realise our aim is to support young people,” he said.

“We’re hoping to get 250 to 300 male and female riders. They’ll run on one of our tracks, yet to be decided.

“We can modify to tailor to less experienced riders, but we also have kids who are as fast as any of Australia’s fastest riders, and they’re often pulling the fastest times in the state rounds.

“We’re really pleased to be part of this huge growth and popularity of the sport in Victoria particularly and hosting this event is a chance to show what the club can, and does do, for young people.”

Mr Moorey said mountain biking is a popular sport across Victoria, with state rounds selling out in minutes.

The Joyride Rookie Cup is a new competition designed to offer more opportunities for young people to enter a race if they miss out elsewhere.

“Nine, 10, and 11 year olds won’t have to worry about doing their very first race ever with the pressures of really hectic tracks with a lot of really challenging features,” he said.

Many Victorian riders have been selected to ride at the upcoming World Championships in Scotland, and some started their downhill racing at Club Mud.

“They came up through the ranks with us and loved the racing and environment,” Mr Moorey said. “We’re really proud of the part we’ve been able to play.”

Club MUD members are also seeking support to eventually build a community shelter and more toilet facilities at Black Hill that would not only support them when hosting events on site, but the broader community who use the reserve for recreation.