WORLD renowned mountain biking figure Glen Jacobs is leading a push to bring the sport's world championships back to the Smithfield rainforest trail in 2016.

The Cairns man was integral in securing the UCI World Mountain Bike Championships for Cairns in 1996 and is setting his sights on a
20-year reunion.

Thousands of spectators, competitors and international media flocked to the Far North in 1996 to watch as a young Cadel Evans – last year’s winner of the Tour de France – first caught the eye of the cycling world.

The championships were so successful that Mr Jacobs was offered a job as a professional trail builder.

Since then he has travelled the world creating courses and says he is constantly cornered by cyclists with the same question.

"Riders keep asking me when they are coming back to race in Cairns. They all remember how rad it was here," he said.

"The UCI likes the idea of bringing it back for a 20-year reunion from an emotional side of things. It needs to be organised now."

In Cairns yesterday, Premier Anna Bligh said the State Government was behind the push after she met Mr Jacobs late last year to discuss his proposal.

"The ultimate decision is one for the national body and if they say ‘Yes’, then we would hope to work to make it happen," Ms Bligh said.

Since 1990, the world titles have been hosted by 14 different countries including Sweden, France, United States, Switzerland, Spain and Italy.

"It’s a huge thing. It will bring thousands of people in just as competitors and behind the scenes, let alone spectators," Mr Jacobs said.

"Word has spread on how good it is up here since 1996 and a lot of people will take the chance to see this place properly."

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