An enduro race has been organised in tribute to James Williamson, the Australian journalist and former world solo 24-hour mountain bike champion who died while taking part in this year's Absa Cape Epic.
The James Williamson Enduro Challenge will take place on 13 March 2011 in Wingello State Forest, New South Wales. It's being organised by Southern Highlands Cycling Club and Canberra Off-Road Cyclists, who say: "It's intended to be a ride for those who love mountain biking, and a race for those who love to ride hard."
Proceeds will go to the James Williamson Fund, which has been set up to support young mountain bikers in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The aim is to provide an annual training camp, assistance packages and other forms of support.
There will be four categories and four different length courses: open (75km, 50km or 25km), under 19 (50km or 25km), under 17 (25km or 13km) and under 15 (13km). All the routes are mostly singletrack, with some fire road too.
Entry will be limited to 600 riders and all registrations completed before 31 December will receive a “Willo" T-shirt. For more information, click here.
Williamson was the 2008 world and 2006 Australian 24-hour champion, and editor of Enduro magazine. He died in his sleep on 23 March, aged 26. An autopsy revealed he had an undiagnosed heart condition.
