Firstly, Wollongong is, by their global assessment, a place with both the capability, and the spectacular coast and escarpment, to be selected to stage one of the world's largest and most important annual cycling events - the UCI Road World Championships in 2022.

Secondly, Wollongong is a place that offers such an extraordinary year-round outdoor lifestyle, that it makes sense for Wollongong City Council to take full advantage of that by investing in cycling for all by getting more members of the community using bikes as part of their everyday lives.

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By awarding Wollongong the rare and prestigious global "Bike City" label, the UCI announced these credentials to the whole world.

This recognition puts Wollongong alongside other international Bike Cities like Paris, Vancouver and Copenhagen, and out ahead of any other city in Australia or even the southern hemisphere, as the only place here to earn the title.

As a relatively new member of the local community myself, I feel like I may have been on the same enjoyable journey of discovery about Wollongong over the last few months as the UCI.

While my great grandfather moved to Wollongong from the UK in 1924 to work as a coal miner - so I came with some sentimental connection - I had very little current, local knowledge.

I quickly discovered that this city, with a proud industrial history that gives it its soul, also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and ocean views anywhere in the country.

The way that the escarpment folds around the coastline and provides a breathtaking backdrop to the city from every angle makes a panorama that is too good not to be showcased to the world.

It is no wonder that the NSW Government, through Destination NSW and the Office of Sport, were keen to support Wollongong's bid.

It is just a fantastic postcard for NSW. We're grateful for their backing, and of course that the UCI jumped at Wollongong as the perfect stage for their World Championships.

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But the UCI also recognised the capability and can do attitude that I too have noticed in my short time here. Whether it is in its ever-evolving steel production, the burgeoning reputation of the University, or our track record in hosting events, Wollongong is a city that continually innovates, moves forward, finds a way. I have found it exciting to join a community that is so relentlessly doing things its own way - and powering forward

The opportunity to apply that capability and attitude to the complexities of hosting the largest ever event to come to Wollongong - and by doing so to showcase what we can do to a global audience of more than quarter of a billion people - is one that doesn't come along very often.

The UCI certainly recognised that world-class capability, and the endorsement they have given Wollongong by awarding the Bike City Label more than 18 months before the event, is a remarkable vote of confidence in it. If we showcase our capability well, by hosting a great event, it will attract enduring interest in Wollongong and the region, from people, investors and businesses who, like me, find that energy really appealing.

Even more appealing for me however, has been the extraordinary lifestyle that Wollongong provides. For my young family and me, Wollongong simply offers lots more time to live. More balance, less rush, no commute and limitless outdoor activities at our doorstep - while still being close to Sydney's metropolis when absolutely necessary - makes Wollongong very, very special.

Of course, UCI Bike City specifically recognises the City of Wollongong's cycling strategy. But committing to promote cycling, as a priority for Wollongong City Council and a symbol and supporter of health and wellbeing, just seems a natural thing for Wollongong to do.

Every aspect of being in Wollongong feels like it boosts wellbeing. Encouraging and making it easier for more people to ride is a great way to promote and make the most of that unique aspect of Wollongong life.

And the fact that UCI has formally recognised Wollongong's cycling strategy is a great credit to the vision of Wollongong City Council and the community that contributed significantly to its development.

In the end, though, one of the things that has surprised me most about Wollongong's Bike City award, is my suspicion that Wollongong itself might have been pleasantly surprised to be recognised internationally in this way! Maybe it's Wollongong's natural down to earth nature. Or a typical reluctance to big note itself.

Nonetheless, I hope that being awarded the UCI Bike Label might have given the people of Wollongong an opportunity to stop for a minute and celebrate just how good this place is.

To take a little pride in the knowledge that the rest of the world now knows too.

And perhaps even to look forward to welcoming a few hundred thousand of them in September 2022, when they come to experience it for themselves.