Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh has good news on how the city is winning more event activity.
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The local economy is set to significantly benefit in less than a month with the help of Cycling NSW which has negotiated the staging of a criterium series at Flagstaff Hill.
The criterium event will feature some of Australia’s cycling elite such as Mark Renshaw and will coincide with the MS Sydney to the Gong on November 1, 2015.
MS Sydney to the Gong organisers have been working with Wollongong City Council on using the same 660 metre course used by the NSW Grand Prix cycling from 2011 to 2013.
The finish line will be at Lang Park.
Cycling NSW chief executive Phil Ayres said there was no more spectacular course in Australia and with more than 10,000 cyclists taking part it was a wonderful way of promoting the the sport of cycling more in the state and the region.
Mr Ayres described the criterium series as a great breakthrough and showcase opportunity for the sport.
“I also need to thank Brad McGee, Ben Kersten (from NSWIS), who have partnered with MS and Phill Bates AM for their combined effort in working with Greg Hutchings from MS to be able to stage the criterium events,” he said.
MS chief executive Robyn Hunter said it was great to be able to partner with Cycling NSW and Wollongong in staging the inaugural MS Wollongong Criterium.
“Through fundraising, the MS Sydney to the Gong Ride allows us to continue to provide vital support services to people who live with multiple sclerosis, their carers and families,” she said.
“A special thank you to Phill Bates for his untiring support in bring this vision to life.”
The event will cater for most age categories and organisers anticipate some great clashes in the elite event with National Road Series (NRS) stars competing against Australian Pro Cyclist stars.
The entire circuit will be barricaded on both sides and is thought to be the safest in Australia.
SBS is going to cover the criterium racing.
But the additional benefit is that the MS Gong ride will be part of a one hour coverage the following week.
The charity bike ride will be feature on Sunday November 8 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
The details of the MS Wollongong Criterium are available on the Cycling NSW website.
The event will feature substantial prize money.
There will soon be more details about who will be competing and the economic benefit for the city.
