The Villages of Old Goldfields Association Cycle Club (VOGA) organised event is in its third year and numbers have almost tripled since its 2013 inception.

VOGA president Matt Turner said the high standard event had continued to attract riders and was this year attended by well-known mountain bikers.

The male event was won by Melbourne-based rider Rohin Adams (2.14).

He faced tough competition with Ballarat’s Will Geor (2.15) on his trail until the end. 

Jackie Perkins (2.53) won the female 50 kilometre ride.

“It was enormously successful from our point of view,” Turner said.

"The reputation of the event is growing and it is considered to be a family friendly day out and we have lots of mums and dads compete. They can bring their kids along to race. 

Turner said the events continued growth was reflective of the growing popularity of mountain biking.

“It is on the rise – although road racing is seen as more accessible – events like this are growing.

“I think parents also like the thought of their kids going out riding where they can’t be hit by cars.”

Turner said the event, which was run with the support of Hepburn Shire Council, was part of an objective to develop recreational tourism in the Creswick area by attracting walkers and cyclists to an expanding trail network.

Money raised will go towards implementing a master plan of accessible cycling tracks in the area. 

Top five men 50k:

Top five female 50k:

Top five male 25k:

Top five female 25k: