Best seats are free at Commonwealth Games mountain biking
Mountain biking fans at the Commonwealth Games were treated to trackside viewing in the Nerang State Forest today.
The action was so close spectators could feel the wind of riders flying past.
They could almost reach out and high-five a rider, if it was not for the heavy police presence keeping the crowd at bay.
Today was the one and only day of mountain biking at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and there was no heats — just one race for the men's and one for the women's.
So how much were these exclusive tickets worth? Zilch. Nothing.
Well, those who did shell out for tickets could see the start and finish line inside the velodrome, but most chose to "slum it" trackside.
Ticketed spectators choose to sit outside the gates
External Link: Cyclist fly down hill at speed at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
Paul Wilson was watching the women's race with his son Thomas, a big BMX fan.
"I think the trails have been the better spot and if we knew that I wouldn't have bought tickets," he said.
"The action is where they are going up and down the mountain climb and the mountain descent. To see that you couldn't be down here [inside the velodrome].
"In some cases, [we were so close] we were worried about knocking sticks onto the track and making it harder for them."
Spectator Craig Wilkins was watching the downhill descent with friends. He had a ticket, but was choosing to watch outside the gates.
"I probably wouldn't have [bought tickets] if I had known we had all these free spots, but it is nice to see them on the finishing chute," he said.
"We keep moving to different spots. We've been up the top … and that has been fantastic trying to watch the ladies get up the rock garden there.
"Just getting different views. It's good because they are doing so many different laps, we get to watch them come down a different spot each time showing off some of their skills."
Set up with snacks, sandwiches and deck chairs
The Williams family did not get tickets, and they were set up outside on camp chairs with their sandwiches, snacks and a deck of cards.
They were playing games between races.
"It's a great atmosphere and the kids love it, and it is great to get dressed up in our Aussie finery. They are having a great time," dad Cameron Williams said.
"We went over to one of the guys who was talking about the trail and he said there is some jumps along this section, and we wanted a fast section with lots of jumps and lots of action.
"We're in a prime spot I think, so we're excited."
Top tip to get the best free vantage point
Mother Miandrea Williams said they had been to other free events including the race walk and road cycling time trials.
She said the trick was to ask the experts where to sit.
"As soon as we come to any free event, the first thing we do is find a volunteer and they would be so helpful, tell us where to go," she said.
The marathon will run from Runaway Bay to Burleigh Heads on Sunday and will be the last chance for Gold Coasters to glimpse the Games action for free.
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