WOLLONGONG, NSW – September 16, 2025 – Rocky Trail Entertainment announced that the final NSW Rocky Trail Academy event for 2025 will be held at Cringila MTB Park in Wollongong on September 26. This event will feature the special Graduation Cup format, a unique team competition designed to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among the next generation of mountain biking stars.
The Graduation Cup format combines individual performance with a strong focus on team spirit. Riders will compete individually across three different timed tracks, each testing a specific set of skills like endurance, speed, and technical ability. Their individual results will then contribute to a team score, where strategy and collaboration are key to success.
Event Highlights:
- Team Composition: Male teams will consist of 3 to 5 riders, while female teams will have 2 to 3 riders per category.
- Unique Scoring: Team scores are calculated by aggregating the lowest rankings of three male riders and two female riders within each team, emphasizing the importance of every rider’s contribution.
- Diverse Challenges: Each rider must complete at least one timed run on all three designated tracks, ensuring a comprehensive test of their mountain biking capabilities.
The event will wrap up the Rocky Trail Academy series in NSW, which has provided a platform for over 3,000 junior riders along the East Coast of Australia to develop their skills and passion for the sport along the East Coast. The series has consistently focused on building a fun and competitive environment for young athletes from a wide range of schools.
Rocky Trail expects over 250 students from more than 20 schools expected to attend the Cringila event on September 26.
Following the Wollongong event, Rocky Trail Entertainment will set its sights on the Sea Otter Australia Schools Championships on October 23, 2025. This premier event, based on the Rocky Trail Academy format, will bring junior racing talent to the legendary Mogo Trails. The competition will feature three distinct tracks tailored for Primary (years 4-6), Junior (years 7-8), Intermediate (years 9-10), and Senior (years 11 & 12) riders.
Juniors can enter the Sea Otter Australia Schools Championships as part of a school group or as individuals. The top school will be crowned champion, cementing their place in Sea Otter Australia history. The official ceremony will be held on Saturday at the event hub, celebrating the achievements of these young athletes.
The Sea Otter Australia Schools Championships is a key part of the larger Sea Otter Australia Festival, a multi-day celebration of cycling taking place from October 22-26, 2025, that includes a diverse line-up of competitive races, scenic rides, and a comprehensive consumer expo with over 170 brands at the Hanging Rock Sports Precinct in Batemans Bay. The festival also features the two-day Sea Otter Summit for industry leaders, providing a platform for discussions on trail tourism and the future of cycling, alongside a massive line-up of official events from gravity to endurance to gravel and cyclo-cross, e-Bike racing, freestyle competitions and fun activities for the entire family.
About Rocky Trail Entertainment:
Rocky Trail Entertainment is a leading event management company specializing in gravity and cross-country mountain bike races. The company is committed to creating exciting and accessible events for riders of all ages and skill levels, while also nurturing the next generation of mountain bike talent through initiatives like the Rocky Trail Academy.
