Derby turns up the volume
• Thousands of people are preparing to rein down on Derby next week when the town hosts the Enduro World Cup.
March 22, 2023
By Taylor Clyne
All systems are go for the businesses of Derby with the UCI Enduro World Cup rolling into town on Monday and an action packed week to follow.
It’s been four years since the town hosted the world class biking event and a lot of growth has taken place since then.
Event organiser Ian Harwood said the focus will very much be on the businesses in the community and creating a real atmosphere.
“The official practice is on Thursday March 30 with the Friday hosting the open and amateurs race followed by the world cup on the Saturday followed by the after party at the Dorset Hotel,” he said.
“Tasmania is known for having the rowdiest and loudest crowds we’ve ever seen; we want to encourage that and amp up the heckling on course.”
There will be three official heckling zones including one on the lower end of Air-Ya-Garn, another at Devil Wolf and on new trail Cuddles.
The space opposite the trail head will be transformed into a biking village for the event housing all the teams pits, some of the worlds best riders and mechanics.
“The village is a real vibe with the latest equipment, music, and bar.
“Derby has grown so much we will not be having all the food joints in the village we will instead be encouraging that up the main street.”
The main road will be completely closed in both directions on Saturday April 1 from 8am until 4pm with all traffic being diverted through the Derby Back Road.
“The whole region will be on showcase to the world, there will be camera crews, journalists and online promotion in the week following too,” Mr Harwood said.
The Blue Derby Foundation and new owner of the Crack House Brad Rogers are working to have something at the iconic venue in honour of the late Jeffrey Hayes.
“The riders love what Jeffrey brought to the event and it would be great for people to be able to give back to the region through the foundation.”