The challenge, which will run from October 22 to 25, has attracted some of the world’s leading mountain bike riders, including Australia’s most highly-regarded female competitor Niki Gudex, who is ranked one and two in the national cross-country and downhill disciplines.

“I’m going to use it more as a social event,” she said.

“I’ll ride along side others and get into the spirit of the event.”

Based in Sun Valley in the US, Ms Gudex says she is looking forward to coming to Margaret River as she seldom has the chance to travel within Australia.

“I’m really excited, it’s (Margaret River) supposed to be beautiful,” she said.

“I want to check out the wineries and take in the local sights.”

The event will cover 175km, beginning at the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse and touring through the towns of Hamelin Bay, Margaret River and Cowaramup before finishing at the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse.

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said the challenge was not just a mountain bike race, but an adventure that would take competitors past beautiful natural forests, vineyards and world-class surf beaches.

“It is open to any keen rider, both competitive and recreational,” she said.

“All you need is a reasonable level of fitness.”

The Minister said the challenge was also a great opportunity to showcase the South West region as an important tourism destination.

“The beauty of this region–its brilliant blue skies, white sandy beaches and lush, undulating countryside–will provide all riders with a magnificent setting for their endeavours,” she said.

Riders can still register to ride in the event, this year having the option of joining for a single day.

The challenge will also take place in 2009 and 2010.

The State Government, through Tourism WA, is supporting the event with funding of $320,000 over three years.

More details are available at http://www.capetocapemtb.com