More than 100 mountain bikers will contest Tamworth’s – and the state’s –  first- ever 12-hour night race,  club spokesman and race organiser Daniel Raffaele said.

The AY-UP Dusk till Dawn Race will start from 7pm tomorrow, with cyclists racing against each other and the sun until 7am Sunday.

“This is the first race of its kind in Australia since one was held in Queensland five years ago and, as such, has attracted some of the biggest names in mountain biking,”  Raffaele said.

“World 24 hour solo champion Jason English, as well as world mountain bike champion Sean Bekkers will be hitting the Tanworth track with lights blaring.”

Other internationally recognised male riders include Andrew Lloyd, Peter Selrig and Michael Crummy. Catherine Wood and Kirby Knowles will head up the female categories.

“Riders are going to get a course that will push them to their limits and, by the end, there is going to be a massive sense of achievement,”   Bekkers said.

Raffaele has been overwhelmed by the amount of enthusiasm shown for the event, with entries received from riders from all over NSW and Queensland.

Riders will compete over four different categories – solo and teams of two, three and four.

“This race will be a highlight for mountain biking in Tamworth and the region,” Raffaele said. 

“What other sport can an everyday cyclist compete with the world’s best? 

The event garnered a lot of interest after the huge success of the Keepit Real 100 race in December last year at Lake Keepit.

“This race and the Keepit Real are becoming must do’s for mountain bike riders every year,” Raffaele said.

“I encourage the community to bring a chair and come and watch a totally new and entertaining experience.” 

There will be $1400 in cash prizes as well as thousands of dollars in prizes to be given away from AY-UP Lighting Systems, Lapin Cycling Gear, Endura Sports Nutrition and Bicycle Central on Marsh. 

There will be food and, more importantly, coffee available at the park right through and after the entire event. 

Registrations for the Dusk till Dawn race are still available and anyone interested in entering but not sure can contact Raffaele for information and advice.

Lights can be organised for entrants and individuals can be slotted into teams.

The Tamworth Bike Park is located on Forrest Rd, 200m past  Tamworth tip on the right.

For information, contact  Raffaele on 0429663153.