THE Tour de Evocity?
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A push to create the biggest mountain bike (MTB) series in Australia, which includes a race in Wagga, has been backed by mayor Rod Kendall.
The wheels for an Evocities MTB series were put in motion earlier this month when clubs from across the state joined a teleconference to discuss the idea.
At present, each of the locations under the Evocities umbrella - Wagga, Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Tamworth - have some form of existing MTB race.
Moves are now being made to link them.
Councillor Kendall said there was plenty to be achieved by working collaboratively.
"I think it's an excellent concept (that) builds on bringing existing events across the state together as a series," Cr Kendall said.
"It will actually be the biggest mountain bike series in Australia."
Mountain Bike Club of Wagga president Paul Johanson has welcomed the initiative, which he said would be a positive move for both the Evocities program and the sport.
"I think it ties Evocities with healthy living and good lifestyle through mountain biking, which I think is a pretty good fit for that sort of stuff," he said.
Mr Johanson said planning for the tour was still in its early days but it is hoped it will kick off as early as next February.
Wagga's first event under the new tour umbrella could be in September next year, when the Mountain Bike Club of Wagga's existing six-hour Enduro event becomes part of the series.
Dubbo mayor Matthew Dickerson has also expressed his interest to be part of the series. Evocities is a campaign that encourages metropolitan residents to move to, and invest in, a regional centre.