There will be two action-packed days coming up as the Bundaberg Cycling Spectacular attracts cyclist from across Australia and New Zealand to the region to compete.
Elite, junior and master cyclists will race at the Kevin Brogden Velodrome on 25 and 26 November in the highest prized cycling competition in Queensland.
Bundaberg Cycling Club president Wayne Morden said the two-day cycling spectacular this year had a focus on equality across the racing categories.
“There’s a huge focus on equal prize money for male and females this year from the juniors to the elite,” Wayne said.
“The Bundaberg Cycling Spectacular is the highest paying prize competition in Queensland and in the top five in Australia.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from competitors in New Zealand and other international places, in particularly from high performance squads.
“It’s great for our region to attract such competition here.”
Wayne said with international borders reopened, he expected between 180-200 competitors for future events.
“Early indications are very good as we expect to have 150-plus riders this year,” he said.
“When we previously held the international event, prior to covid-19, we would be happy to get 150 competitors, now we are getting that domestically – so it’s just fantastic!
“Pre-covid-19 our cycling spectacular was a qualifying international event for the Olympics, and we will look to return to this in future years.”
Wayne said local competitors would have a hometown advantage of knowing the velodrome track.
“Our velodrome is very unique,” he said.
“It can be most challenging at times because of its size, as each race can be different as it depends on the wind and the weather conditions.
“So local riders will definitely have the hometown advantage during the event.”
Council throws support behind Bundaberg Cycling Spectacular
Bundaberg Regional Council has supported the Bundaberg Cycling Spectacular since its inception and has this year provided financial support of $5000 under its Sports Championship Funding Program.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said the event was fantastic not only for the riders but also for the community.
“Bundaberg Cycling Spectacular is an event that can bring the whole community together,” he said.
“This event attracts international and national riders, and in return provides not only an economic boost but also shines an international spotlight on the Bundaberg Region.”
Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Vince Haberman said Bundaberg Cycling Spectacular was a high-level sporting event made possible because of the fantastic local facilities.
“The Kevin Brogden Velodrome is of a standard that allows competitions like this to be held here,” Cr Habermann said.
“Bundaberg has a huge cycling community and we’ve produced international cycling competitors and winners, so it’s very exciting to hold events like the Bundaberg Cycling Spectacular here each year.”
Bundaberg Cycling Spectacular will be held on 25 – 26 November at Kevin Brogden Velodrome, for updates check the Facebook page.
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