Crocodile Trophy - Queensland, Australia - 18th-26th Oct 2104

Essentials

UCI S1 Event

Length: 9 Days

Distance - 770 km (35, 89, 96, 90, 122, 145, 118, 115, 40TT)

Elevation: 17,000m (900, 2500, 3000, 2700, 2500, 2600, 2100, 1900, 500)

Categories: Elite and Amateur, Solo, Adventure, Female, Mixed, Masters 1,2,3

Shorter Distances available - 'Croc Lite': Stage 1 & 2

Organization - 9/10

Organiser: World Wide Sports Agency PY LTD, Gerhard Schönbacher, 12 Satellite Street, 4879 Clifton Beach, Australia

ABN: 29 147 922 549

Phone: +61 438 250154+61 438 250154

Email:  schoenbacher@croc.at

Website: http://www.crocodile-trophy.com/index.php?id=1

Accommodation: Camping (A tent service is also available). Cabins and motels also available in some locations.

Food: Substantial & nutritious breakfast and dinner

Transport: Luggage is securely transported to all event centres and to the final destination.

Mechanical Support: Bike Wash and Dedicated Mechanics

Massage: Team of Masseurs

Medical support: Medical Personnel & Royal Flying Doctor Service

Accessibility - 9

Arrival and Departure from Cairns Airport in Northern Queensland

Cost - 6

Event: $2,490.

Country: Australia is a relatively expensive country to visit for most international visitors. The currency is Australian Dollars.

Climate - 7

 October, in Cairns, boasts average temperatures between 21-25 degrees (28 degrees average high) and 9 hours of sunshine with 50mm of rain in 10 days. The race moves from the Tropical north, over the Atherton tablelands into the outback, where temperatures are hotter and there is little rainfall. 

Difficulty - 9

The race incorporates a variety of challenges, from world class singletrack in Smithfield, spectacular rainforest roads, jeep trails, old convict roads,sandy trails, cattle routes, and far less dirt roads, dust and corrugations than previous editions. For some stages, riders should be accustomed to riding in a large peloton and groups, and rehydration is a significant factor in the hot sun.

Riders - 9

Number: Around 100 riders, the majority from Western and Central Europe, although the event has seen increased participation from Australia in recent years.

Level: Experienced amateurs and professionals.

Uniqueness - 9

The route is forever changing and is becoming more accommodating to pure mountain bike riders. The route takes advantage of the World Cup trails at the purpose-built mountain bike park at Smithfield, the Atherton tablelands and rainforest, and the distinctly unique trails in the outback.

Camaraderie - 10

It has been said that riding in the Crocodile Trophy is an investment which will forever reap rewards. The incredible friendliness of the event is further enhanced by the set-up where all riders sleep and eat together and share stories of the days' heroics and failures. Without doubt, some of my greatest riding friends and contacts have sprung from this event.

Overall - 9

The Crocodile Trophy is an event I would recommend, without hesitation, to decent amateurs and above. It is exceptionally well organized and extremely unique. The stages are fairly long, but not particularly technical. The camaraderie is second to none and friends made at this event will be friends for life. This is the event that launched my stage racing career and one from which I will never look back. Everyone should do it!