Cyclists from around the world will spend more than eight days in the Bundaberg Region next year for the UCI Cycle Fest International 2020.
The official launch of the event was held today, with the start date announced for 9 February next year.
The world-class sporting spectacular had its inaugural showcase in February this year, attracting visitors and athletes from across the globe to the Bundaberg Region.
CFI chair Greg Pershouse said 2020 year would be bigger and better.
“The inaugural event this year was an outstanding success, contributing more than $5 million dollars into the local economy,” he said.
“Next year, between February 9 and 16, CFI will include an eight-day program featuring tourism, education, safety, health and fitness, regional development, promotion and world-class cycling.
“Make no mistake, CFI is a game-changing event in the Bundaberg Region.”
Events galore in UCI Cycle Fest International 2020 program
Greg said as part of next year's program, major attractions would be included before over 100 games featured at the Kevin Brogden Memorial Velodrome.
“These attractions include the Legend's Breakfast, which will feature rugby star Wendell Sailor,” he said.
“An international male and female criterium will be held on Targo Street and a sprint distance triathlon will be held in Bargara.
“On the Thursday, Friday and Saturday the focus then goes to the velodrome with more than 100 events over three days.”
Greg said CFI was a huge player for the region's growth in economy and tourism, with more than 1500 people attracted to the inaugural event each day in 2019.
He said not only would the region itself benefit again in 2020, but also the many athletes who were coming from around the world to participate.
“Our competitors are coming from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Germany, USA, Trinidad, Austria, Wales, Ireland and more,” he said.
“Apart from the World Cup, this will be the number one track event in Australia next year and the last opportunity for the elite men and women of cycling to gain qualifying points for the Olympic Games.”
And if you can't get to the event, never fear, CFI will be broadcast worldwide.
“In 2020 CFI will partner with Kayo Sports to deliver unrivalled live action during the event,” Greg said.
“It has the potential to put CFI in front of millions of viewers worldwide.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey attended the official launch today and said Cycle Fest International brought with it many great opportunities for the community.
“It is absolutely fantastic to have this major, international cycling event in Bundaberg and Council is extremely proud to be a sponsor,” he said.
“This event comes together because it really delivers to the community.
“I congratulate everyone who has been involved to bring this fantastic initiative together.”
Community brings event together
UCI Cycle Fest International executive director Jason Templeman said to this date, CFI had raised more than $100,000 in sponsorship and received tremendous support from the community.
He said community support was crucial to the success of the event with many local businesses coming on board to what he described was “Nascar on push bikes”.
“The fun and excitement is definitely there,” he said.
“Without our many amazing sponsors, who we have asked to add to their spend and value to us for 2020, we would not be able to do what we do,” he said.
“I say a big thank you to them.”
To find out more about the events featured as part of the UCI Cycle Fest International 2020, head to the Facebook page here.
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