The busy mountain bike race season reaches its climax tomorrow morning at the Southlands property when the island’s off road racers vie for the coveted title of national champion.

In a change from the season long race series format, where competitors chose which level they raced at, riders tomorrow will compete in five age categories.

Competitors will be divided into male open, female open, junior male, junior female and a new category this year, a Veteran Male 40+ category, opening the door for some different riders to stand on top of the podium in a sport that has been dominated by junior riders all year.

The male open category is shaping up to be a closely fought battle with Chequan Richardson, a past national champion, hoping to lift the title again having raced in the top male A events this season.

However, he will have his hands full as Adam Kirk, Andrew Hern and Blake Camara will be looking to take the top spot after competing in the B category in the race series. Kirk, the point’s series winner, and Hern both shared the spoils in hotly contested races all year.

The pair’s lap times in courses around the island compared to Richardson’s would indicate they have the speed, but the longer 70 minute event tomorrow may well work in Richardson’s favour.

Is the 40-plus category Hans Hirchi, who dominated the veteran’s races all year, is likely to face stiff competition with Mark Hatherley moving from the A to the 40-plus race, Chris Roque is not likely to be too far behind waiting for one of the favourites to falter.

In the junior male race, the top youngsters Robin Horsfield, Matthew Oliviera, Dylan Hill and Kaden Hopkins will no doubt provide an exciting race for the spectators having dominated the top male A category all year. Fresh off a recent win, Horsfield will be looking to continue his good form.

Realistically the junior female race, barring a mechanical problem or crash, will belong to junior sensation Allysa Rowse. The 15-year-old has not only been the top female rider this season, but has pushed many of her male counterparts to the limit. Tristan Narraway and Cassy McPhee are expected to be looking for the next two spots on the podium.

The final category, the open female, has only attracted two entries so far. Kimberly McIvor and Eileen Mullowney were the only riders to meet the deadline.

Racing tomorrow gets under way at 8.30am.