Riders have two hours to complete as many laps of a five-kilometre circuit as they can in the club’s Thunder Point 120 Enduro Race.

For the first time, Warrnambool Harness Racing Club’s track has been linked to the mountain bike network in the adjacent coastal scrub.

Top rider Ricky Smedts, who finished second overall in WMTBC’s dirt criterium series, will be a frontrunner for the title.

“It’s a pretty technical course with a lot of tree roots and pretty loose soil,” he said.

“The challenge will be staying upright.”

Smedts will have strong competition from David Sagnol, who was third overall in the dirt criterium series.

The riders familiarised themselves with the course this week.

“We’re probably at the same level so we should finish around the same mark,” Smedts said.

Sagnol is also ready for a tough evening of competition.

“It’s a tight and twisty track and the sandy conditions of the trotting track will be a test,” he said.

Each lap should take about 20 minutes to complete and riders can compete solo or in pairs.

Club committee member Peter Furphy said the incorporation of the harness racing circuit was a boon for the club.

“The harness racetrack loop will give all riders a chance to grab a drink or transition with their riding buddy if they’re racing in pairs,” he said.

“For the roadies that lack a bit in bike handling skills, it means they will be able to gain time due to their leg strength.”

Entry is $5 and a Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) licence is required. An MTBA day licence will be available onsite for $20. Female riders who compete in pairs get free race entry and a club drink and dinner voucher to use after the race. A barbecue will cater for riders, families and friends at about 6pm, after a kids’ bike/trike/scooter race down the home straight of the harness track.

Registrations open at 4.30pm for a 5.30pm start.