500 of New Zealand's leading secondary school mountain bikers will compete at the NZCT National Secondary School Mountain Bike Championships this weekend in Levin.

The growing popularity of mountain biking means the number of entries is restricted to 500.

Athletes compete in the cross country on Saturday and the hill climb and down hill on Sunday, with overall age group champions determined on the combined best results in the three disciplines.

Age groups titles are awarded in Under 14, 15, 16 and 19 boys and Under 14, 16 and 19 girls.

Many talented mountain bikers have entered, including top downhill bikers Vaughn Woodhouse from Napier Boys, David Scandrett from Burnside High School, Michael Vink from Christchurch Boys and Zach Baker form Westlake Boys, while experienced cross country riders include Aari Barrett from Hastings Boys, Ash Hough from Tauranga Boys and Patrick Avery from Rotorua Lakes High School.

Kaipara College student Charlotte Clouston, who competed in the cross country and down hill during the NZCT National Series earlier this year, will have the advantage of top quality competition and will be hard to beat in the Under 16 girls category.

The full list of entries is on http://www.horowhenua.school.nz/view.php?main=school_sporting

For more information contact

Ted Jones on 021 599103 or Sharon Moekerk on 021 1308109