WORLD class rider Mark Renshaw will be part of an elite field when criterium cycling returns to Wollongong.
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The event will be part of an expanded MS Sydney to the Gong schedule, in a massive boost for the sport after the race was cancelled last year after cuts in NSW Government funding.
Cycling NSW chief executive Phil Ayres is expecting to announce several high profile additions to the race.
One of the most demanding and picturesque circuits in Australia, Ayres said the racing would be of international standard.
“We’re expecting 40-50 riders in the elite mens division and more than 30 in the womens,” he said.
“Having Mark on board is great for the event and we’re expecting quite a few more top riders to enter.
“With the course being so quite, it’s quite technical and the format is really appealing to elite riders.”
The elite format is a 20-lap race, with as many as three ‘prime’ laps, offering bonuses to sprinters over one loop of the circuit.
Ayres said linking with the Sydney to the Gong ride was the perfect way bring back the criterium and expand the scope of fundraising for multiple sclerosis.
“It really becomes a festival of cycling,” Ayres said.
“It’s also a nice bonus for thousands of amateur cyclists to rest the sore legs and bodies, enjoy some time in Wollongong and watch the professionals race. There’s a prize pool of $8500, so it certainly has its appeal for the elite riders.”
Renshaw is one of the most accomplished riders Australia has ever produced.
He has ridden in several major European tours, including the Tour De France.
Renshaw, the lead-out man for Mark Cavendish, withdrew from the 2015 Tour de France after suffering from migranes.
He’s had a bitter sweet history with the prestigious event, disqualified in 2010 after clashing mid-stage with a rival and withdrew in 2012 because of injuries sustained from race falls.
The Sydney to the Gong ride starts from 6am at St Peters, with a shorter 58km ride leaving from Engadine at 8am.
The under 13s criterium event starts at 8.30am, with the elite mens race underway at 1pm.
“We’re hopeful this will be the start of something really big for cycling and the Illawarra region,” Ayres said.
The race will also be shown on SBS a week later on November 8.
MS WOLLONGONG
CRITERIUM
Sunday, November 1
Flagstaff Hill, Wollongong
Categories: Elite men, elite women, masters, under 23, under 19, under 17, under 15, under 13.
