A major cycling event is coming back to Ballarat, where competitors will face all kinds of obstacles including plenty of mud!
Ballarat has secured the 2023 Cyclo-cross National Championships and the 2023 AusCycling Cyclocross Victorian Championships, to be held over two days in Victoria Park this weekend.
Although Ballarat has previously held races as part of the cylco-cross national series events, it is the first time it has held the National Championships. It has also secured the event in 2024 and 2025.
The event is expected to attract more than 250 competitors from throughout Australia, contributing an estimated $200,000 to the local economy.
Cyclo-cross is an offroad form of bike racing around a short circuit that will require competitors to overcome barriers and obstacles on the course. Often riders will be required to dismount and carry their bike to overcome the obstacles.
Originating in Europe, the competition races are designed to be held in the winter and muddy tracks are the norm, making for a brutally challenging yet entertaining spectacle.
The Victoria Park course will span 2.65km and will encompass a short but steep climb and descent using ‘The Mound’ – the mullock heap that is officially named Mount Holled-Smith.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the weekend promised to be a genuine spectacle for Cyclo-cross enthusiasts or even casual viewers.
A village will also be set up on Military Drive where spectators can indulge in a variety of food and beverages as they cheer on the athletes.
“Once again we’re going to see Victoria Park come alive for another fantastic event that showcases the amazing park we have,” Cr Hudson said.
“These athletes certainly love a challenge and I love how they revel in all types of conditions.
“Attracting events like this shows Ballarat is a great sports events destination and to be able to use the assets we already have is fantastic.
“Victoria Park is building a great name as brilliant events space for all type of activities and this enhances that reputation.”
AusCycling Executive General Manager Sport Kipp Kaufmann said Ballarat was a great location to host the event.
“The Cyclo-cross National Championships keep building great momentum in the community,” he said.
“Ballarat is an incredible location to host the National Championships and we know that it will provide a great time for all involved.
“We look forward to see our top talent out seeking to win the green and gold jersey.”
Last year’s elite women national champion Bec Locke will be in Ballarat to defend her title and said she is hoping for adverse conditions.
“It’s wonderful to have the National championship return to Victoria, and last year’s national series event in Ballarat was truly impressive,” she said.
“The course promises to be fast unless rain intervenes, which could favour certain riders. Personally, I’m hoping for rain and plenty of mud.
“Despite my somewhat limited training this year due to work, my riding form is quite strong. My aim is to secure a victory, though there’s fierce competition among some exceptional female riders, setting the stage for an exciting race.”
CX Ballarat was established as a national series event in 2022 and successfully positioned Ballarat as the ideal location for cyclocross, as well as further cementing the city’s standing as a cycling hub.
The weekend is also a festival of cycling for the whole community, with free come and try rides for local schools and entertainment across the weekend. All are welcome and it is free to come and watch.
The 2023 AusCycling Cyclo-cross National Championships will be held on Saturday with racing from 9.30am to 4pm. The Victorian State Championships will be held on Sunday from 10am to 4pm
The event is supported by the City of Ballarat and Sport and Recreation Victoria.
Event details can be found at the CX Ballarat website and the AusCycling website.
