Excitement for Backroads Gravel grows with big name cyclist Tasman Nankervis ready to hit the track

Big-name cyclists are hitting the gravel for the Backroads race this weekend in Chapman Valley.

Offroad cycling specialist Tasman Nankervis will hit the track in Nabawa this weekend, with the Victorian holding Western Australia in high regard.

Nankervis took out a seventh-place finish in the world’s richest offroad cycling series last year, in the Lifetime Fitness Grand Prix over in the States.

The Australian claimed a qualified for the 2023 series that features seven gravel and mountain bike races against the top off-road bikers in the world. Culminating in the grand final at Big Sugar Gravel, where he nabbed a top eight finish last October.

The cycling star will now bring his talents to Chapman Valley, competing in the longest 160km distance.

He will be hotly contested with the previous two Backroads winners Rick Andrews and Mark Chong both coming back to Nabawa for the race.

“Looking at the times from last year’s event, it’s clearly a very fast course with high quality riders,” Nankervis said.

“The winning group averaged over 35km/h, I’m going to have my work cut out.”

In the women’s competition, 2023 winner from the 100km distance Kate Bonner is stepping up to tackle the 160km distance this year.

Bonner and training partner Sarah Tucknott enter the race as equal favourites following their performances at multiple offroad events this season.

The Mid West is preparing to host the high level of competition, with rider numbers increasing every year from both locals and visitors.

Course director and local club member Roger Swan said the event had been great to help their club learn.

“Putting on a race like Backroads has been a real eye opener and a great learning opportunity for the Geraldton based Spokes Cycling Club,” he said.

“The skills and experience learned has greatly assisted us in how we manage our own club events.”

While the competition also is a big draw card for interstate travel, with high level cyclists coming to the Mid West for a third year now.

“It’s also great for local riders and runners to be able to participate on the same course at the same time as riders from all over Australia,” Swan said.

“One of the achievements the Backroad’s local organising committee is most proud of is the fact that we have riders coming to the Midwest from every Australian State and Territory.”

The Backroads Gravel race is set to take place Saturday, August 10 leaving from Mazzuchelli Oval in Chapman Valley.