Former champ returns to headline Southern Peaks

Enduro World Series rider Jordan Prochyra will return to Albany as the star attraction at this weekend’s massive Southern Peaks extravaganza, headlined by Sunday’s urban downhill.

More than 500 competitors are expected to take part in the mountain bike spectacular consisting of the XCM, jumps fest, kids urban and urban downhill races

A winner of the 2016 urban downhill event, Prochyra is ranked 69th in the Enduro World Series standings and will chase more success on the gruelling Albany course.

Sunday’s urban downhill will have more than 100 riders take part, Prochyra chasing a second success in the event that will feature a stack of talented local riders.

Corben Weinert, a successful motocross rider, has enjoyed a terrific transition on to a mountain bike and is expected to challenge Prochyra along with fellow Albany young gun Hayden Kinnear.

Back in the hands of Albany Mountain Bike Club, the Southern Peaks will be two days of non-stop action with close to 300 competitors likely to take part in the XCM race, part of the WA series.

The kids urban race will be held on Sunday morning and there will be plenty of interest around the jumps fest on Saturday night with Nitro Circus’ Todd Meyn the main drawcard.

AMBC president Nick Walls said his club had put in a massive effort to ensure it was once again a terrific event.

“We’ll probably go close to selling out the downhill with 100 to 110,” Walls said.

“The 80 kids spots are sold for the urban. We have up over 200 registered for the XCM but we would like to get to 300.

“That course is a little more challenging and it is part of the State series so there are a few locals right up there in points standings.

“Todd Meyn will be well worth watching in the jumps on Saturday night, he is from Nitro Circus.”

The XCM race has 37km and 17km distances, and Walls said the crossing in the Emu Point Channel around 12.30-1pm on Saturday was a spectator highlight.

Qualifying and race runs for Sunday’s urban downhill will be from 2-4pm.

“A huge thanks to everyone on our committee and the people that have put in a huge effort,” Walls said. “We are pretty excited about it, it will be a hectic weekend but should be a lot of fun.”