Wollongong to the world. The announcement, exclusive to the Illawarra Mercury and Sydney Morning Herald, that Wollongong would host the 2022 World Road Cycling Championships is huge.
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There have been a lot of announcements which have put Wollongong on the world map in recent years. Elton John playing at WIN Stadium, the first UK Super League game in the southern hemisphere and cruise ships starting to dock at our port are just a few to mention. Yet the announcement of the world road cycling titles probably is greater than them all combined.
This is an enormous event on a global scale. It will bring athletes visitors and media attention from all over the world to our region over the course of the event. The world's best cyclists will converge for an event they consider the pinnacle of what is a much-loved and supported sport around the globe.
The world championship road race along with the two of the three Grand Tours (namely the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France) form the Triple Crown of Cycling. That is the magnitude of the event. The figures are staggering. More than a 1000 competitors, 300,000 spectators and a worldwide television audience of more than 200 million people. The event will need 1500 volunteers.
While the NSW Sport Minister Stuart Ayres and Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward were involved in the announcement for the Mercury, Wollongong City Council and Destination Wollongong have had a massive role to play in securing this event. All deserve huge credit for securing this historic event for the Illawarra. Make no mistake, this is one of the biggest events to grace the Illawarra and the preparations to host it will begin now.
“Illawarra residents have a ‘once in a life-time opportunity’ to witness the world’s best cyclists, not to mention the fact our stunning region and its natural attractions will be broadcast into the homes of millions of people,” Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said.
What an exciting time to be living in this part of the world.