WA government confirms Cape to Cape MTB funding

The WA state government announced this week that the Cape to Cape MTB race will remain in Western Australia for the next three years, confirming a new funding deal for the annual South West event.

“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,” Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said on Tuesday.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

The four day endurance event covers multiple stages across 200 kilometres of South West trails, bringing more than 1300 riders to the region, as well as support crew, event organisers and spectators.

The first Cape to Cape MTB was held in 2008 and welcomed just 100 competitors, while the 2023 competition delivered more than 2,200 visitors to the region.

The next event held from October 17 to 20, will see elite riders including four-time Olympian and dual World Championship medallist Rebecca Henderson compete for $25,000 in prize money.

Henderson will be joined by newly crowned Oceania Champion Brent Rees, national champions Cameron Ivory and Izzy Flint, Olympian Dan McConnell and rising WA star Connor Wright.

This year, the event will take in the Nannup Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park as well as courses through farmland, rugged coastal trails, national parks and bushland.

“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,” Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said.

For more information on the event, visit capetocapemtb.com