December 14, 2011 (Toronto, Ontario) – The planets’ Best 24 Hour Solo, Two-Person and Three-Person Coed racers will return to Canmore, Alberta Canada, next September to battle the elements, time and themselves to claim the prestigious title of World 24 Hour Mountain Bike Champion.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN – The Canmore venue is the birthplace of the World 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships, having hosted the first-ever Worlds in 1999. “Canmore is a gem in the heart of the Canadian Rockies,” states Stuart Dorland, President of the promotion company twenty4sports. “We are ecstatic to announce the return of the Worlds to where it all started, and racer feedback has been nothing but stellar. We’ve already got a world class field signed up and we’re nine months away from the event!”

CLASS WARFARE – In addition to the established Solo Men’s, Women’s, Single-Speed and Age Group categories, the 2012 Championships will award World Titles to two-person open and three-person co-ed teams. “We’ve tested the team format over the years, and have been receiving global requests for multi-person categories,” continues Dorland, “we’re pleased to accommodate the needs of the MTB endurance team community starting with the 2012 Worlds.”

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? The World 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships is limited to a total field of 530 riders, who need to qualify in order to participate. Solo and Team riders can qualify at these approved events, while team riders must also provide a team race resume for consideration. Click here to read details of the qualifying criteria.

CLASSIC CANMORE – “We are thrilled that twenty4sports are bringing the World’s back,” comments Ron Casey, Mayor of Canmore. “It’s going to be sort of a ‘homecoming’, so we’re building on the excitement for next year and welcoming these fine athletes into our community.”

“This provides an incredible opportunity to show the globe what a perfect venue and recreational playground we have for world-class events and outdoor enthusiasts. If you haven’t been here yet, start making plans, because there is no other place in the world like Canmore!” says Andrew Nickerson, President and CEO of Tourism Canmore Kananaskis.