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 7 Reasons Why We’re Pumped About The Wollongong 2022 UCI Road World Championships

A Festival Vibe + World Class Competition - What’s Not To Get Excited About?


After months of anticipation, we are almost at the starting line of the Wollongong 2022 UCI Road World Championships.

And isn’t Wollongong sparkling? 

Road crews are out planting street-side pots, erecting scaffolds, stands and seating, and freshly laid bitumen ready for the September 17 and the first official race.

Ten thousand international visitors are expected to make their way down Mt Ousley, 300,000 spectators will line the streets and an estimated 300 million will tune in from around the world for 11 big races over eight days of elite cycling as 1,000 athletes compete for the coveted rainbow jersey.

Not to mention the $95 million injection in the NSW and Wollongong economy!

We are well and truly pumped and here’s 7 reasons why. 

 

1 :: World-Class Cycling

For those non-cyclists wondering what all the fuss is about, know this….this is big. Really big.

It’s only the second time Australia has hosted a world road cycling event [after Geelong in 2010] and the best cyclists from around the world will be here representing their countries.

By the end of September, names like Georgia Baker and Grace Brown, Simon Clarke and Michael Matthews, Sarah Roy and Ben O’Connor will be household names.

This event is truly one for sports lovers.

 

 

 

2 :: The Festival Vibe

 

The UCI World Champs are not just about wheels. Wollongong will welcome the world with Spin Fest, a month-long party celebrating all that is great about the Gong. SO much going on…where do we start? 

There’s a packed calendar of events for the whole family with live bands, beach parties, street art and exhibitions, inflatable sculptures. And don’t forget the Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse projections each night. And you can take in a Big Bike Film Festival at the Gala – hello date night. 

There is also Spin Fest: CBD Laneway Nights – perfect for sipping a cocktail, listening to live music and grabbing a feed after sun down. 

See? Such a vibe. 

 

 



3 :: The Community Ride 

Ever dreamed of covering yourself in cycling glory? The community ride is your chance! Gather the family, don the padded pants, kick off the training wheels and cross the finish line before the elite cyclists on 17 September.

 You might even be able to talk dad into shaving his legs???

 The 3.9 kilometre ride will finish under the victory arch at Wollongong beach so you can cross the line to the roars of the crowd.

Oh and one more thing. You can do as many laps as you like! You just need to register

 



4 :: Vantage Points Everywhere

 Since the UCI Road World Championships move from the CBD to the suburbs, there are loads of vantage points to view the action.

Want to choose the flat? You’ll be amazed at the speed at which cyclists whizz past. Maybe punishment is your thing and you want to see elite cyclists scale the hills of Mt Pleasant and Mt Keira, lactic acid pumping through their veins?

Get out your folding chair, slip, slop and slap – and get ready for a day of action from wherever you are. Head here for course maps.

 


5 :: Fan Zones

 For those who want to be right in the middle of the action to experience all the buzz of the week, there are three designated fan zones around the city: Lang Park in Wollongong, Rex Jackson Oval in Helensburgh and Osborne Park [just across the road from Wollongong Harbour!].

The Lang Park fan zone is at the heart of the action where you’ll find medal ceremonies, large screens and plenty of food and stalls and merch!

Helensburgh sees the start of the men and women’s elite road races on Saturday 24 and 25 September, and heading to the fan zone there is your opportunity to see the start of the action. Plus you’ll get to see your favourite riders sign in. Stick around for food and to watch the race on the big screen.

For those who want an Australian fan base, Osborne Park will be temporarily renamed Australia Park for the week!



6 :: We Are Suckers For Merch

Who doesn’t love getting involved in the big events with a bit of merch to remember the big occasion…. And remember. This is big.

Grab your Wollongong 2022 UCI World Road Cycling jerseys, bibs and shorts, hoodies, caps and socks only and at the Lang Park Fan Zone. 

 

7 :: We Are Lovin’ The Big Fat Cash Injection Into Our Region


Destination NSW estimates $613 will be spent for an overnight visitor from out of Wollongong and $108 per day for a day trip. That’s a huge injection into a region whose small businesses have suffered under Covid and a recent super tight economy.

This is the biggest event Wollongong has ever hosted. And it’s not just the 10,000 international visitors and 300,000 visitors from around Australia who will fill hotel rooms, shop at our retail stores, eat in our cafes and restaurants and drink in our pubs.

No. For eight days, a television audience of 300 million will be let in on the little secret that is Wollongong – our gorgeous city that is wedged between the mountain and the sea.  

Not to mention the infrastructure works and cycling facilities that have benefitted from State and Federal grant funding that will benefit Illawarra locals for many years to come.

 

Bring on the Wollongong 2022 UCI Road World Championships – we can’t wait!

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