A festival-like celebration at Wagga Wagga City Council's purpose-built Multisport Cycling Complex will be the highlight of four days of bike racing when AusCycling's national championships arrive in Wagga Wagga this week.
More than 1000 competitive cyclists and their supporters will be in the city to compete in the AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships from Thursday 18 September to Sunday 21 September.
It's the biggest event of the year for Australia's future Olympic stars: teenage cyclists from every state will race for the title of national champion. It's also the premier event for amateur riders in the Masters categories, 30 years and above.
The national championships will be contested on roads around Wantabadgery from Thursday to Saturday, with road closures affecting River Road, Gundagai Street, Jewnee Street, Warral Street and Oura Road (between Warral Street and River Road).
Residents will be able to access their properties under the direction of traffic controllers.
The event culminates on Sunday at the Multisport Cycling Complex at Pomingalarna Reserve, where fast-paced racing, food trucks, music and an outdoor cinema will keep spectators buzzing into the early evening.
AusCycling's Event Operations Manager – Road and Esports, Carlee Taylor, said: "The AusCycling Junior & Masters Road National Championships mark the premier week of racing for amateur cyclists around the country.
"It is a proving ground for Australia's next generation of cycling talent, with past junior winners including Tour de France stage winner Caleb Ewan and Giro d'Italia champion Jai Hindley. It's also just a wonderful celebration of cycling.
"We thank the City of Wagga Wagga and the community for welcoming and supporting these National Championships. We hope the residents of Wagga Wagga enjoy taking part in the festivities on Sunday."
Council's Recreation Coordinator Josh Walsh says Council is excited to support the AusCycling Junior and Masters Road National Championships.
"This is a big event for our city, as we welcome some of the most talented athletes in the country to Wagga Wagga," Mr Walsh said.
"The event will showcase our fantastic facilities at the Multisport Cycling Complex and our scenic countryside.
"We encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the racing, and be part of these great events."
Members of the public are invited to watch the criterium racing all Sunday from 7:30am until 3pm, and to enjoy the BMX track, mountain bike trails, learn-to-ride area and jump and pump tracks.
The racing will be followed by a live DJ from 3:45pm, and a screening of a movie on the big screen from 6:15pm. Entry to the complex is free.
