First Mt Austin Race - 2009 Race Report

Mt Austin, Johor Bahru Downhill Challenge 2009

Johor Bahru DH Challenge is a downhill mountain biking racing event that was organized on the 7th and 8th January 2009 at Mt Austin, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

The event was jointly organized by Element Cycle and the local biking groups and retailers. The response to the inaugural DH race was very good. Despite the events shortcomings of limited preparation time and organizers experience; the participants, spectators and retailers were satisfied on the outcome of the overall event.

The main intention of the event is to introduce and generate local interest in the relatively new Cycling experience of Mountain Biking especially in the Downhill discipline. It is also the organizers intention to meet, exchange ideas and develop the sport further for the betterment of the community.

The location chosen for the event is specifically intended to be close to the urban location to enable access to required facilities such as accommodation, transport and medical facilities. The urban setting will also allow access to larger group of spectators. Traditionally mountain biking events are held in remote forest areas where access and facilities is limited.

Team Element is relatively new in the cycling establishment; however the team members carry collectively many years of riding, trail building and event organizing experience in overall. With the depth in experience and ideas, the team members decided to organize the first of its kind race in JB to enable the local riders and spectators to have a feel of the extreme sport of cycling called Downhill.

In total, 60 participants raced the inaugural event at Mt. Austin which saw participants from Malaysia and Singapore duel it out to an exciting finish.

The event was supported by the Kementerian Belia dan Sukan Johor Bahru, Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru and Local Authorities.

The competition had 3 categories:
Men Junior
Men Open
Men Master

The Champions of each category:
Men Junior – William Chan Yue Shing – Singapore (Unsprung)
Men Open – Tan Hong Chun – Singapore (AG Suspension Racing Team)
Men Master – Hasnan Badi – Malaysia (KSH, OAKLEY, ROAM)

We take this opportunity to thank our ever supporting sponsors and partners

Sponsors :
Dirtworks
Folker
Dirtraction
Angah Bike Shack
Nur Ikhsan Trading
Teo Chin Hock Trading
Pro Eve ACMV Services
Restoran NHS


Main Organizer:
Element Cycle

Event Organiser:
Dirtraction (Tag Hauer Timing System)


Supported by Local MTB Fraternity/Clubs
R.O.A.M (Riders On A Mission)
Freeride Malaysia
MyGravityRiders
Cyclemotion
PG Gerek