Lismore set to host Cycling Festival this weekend
Published on 02 October 2024
Lismore City Council is excited to announce that hundreds of cycling enthusiasts will converge on Lismore next weekend for its first-ever Cycling Festival.
The bumper two-day event, held in partnership with the Byron Bay Cycle Club, promises a mix of competitive racing, participation rides and ‘Come-and-try’ sessions for children and adults.
This mix of options makes this event perfect for seasoned cyclists and newcomers.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the inaugural Cycling Festival was further proof that Lismore is NSW’s regional sports capital.
“Whether it is hosting international baseball at Albert Park, the Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout at the Lismore Regional Sports Precinct or Masters Hockey at Hepburn Park, Lismore has the facilities to attract the best of the best,” he said.
“This continues to benefit our local businesses and jobs as those playing or coming to watch these sporting events spend money in our city, whether it’s at our motels, restaurants, clothing stores or other retailers.”
Lismore City Council’s Manager of Active and Liveable Communities, Tony Duffy, said the event will showcase the Council's ability to host cycling events that require short and long-distance cycling.
“On Saturday, we will have criterium racing around the Oakes Oval complex, which is a fast-paced, bunch-style racing on a closed-street circuit,” he said.
“Then, on Sunday, the focus shifts to the Fondo events, which are rides designed to accommodate different skill levels and fitness around our stunning Lismore countryside, from the ridgelines of the Nimbin valley to the lush Woodlawn and Numulgi valleys.”
“Officials in vehicles with orange flashing lights will patrol the rider group's front, middle and rear. Some CBD roads will be closed for short-distance racing, but most roads are still open to traffic for long-distance. Existing speed limits apply, and maps will be available soon on the official website.”
Saturday starts with registration at 10am, followed by thrilling Cyclocross and Junior’s Crit-Cross events in the Lismore Regional Sports Hub. This is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to try cycling in a fun, off-road environment. Cyclocross, popular in Europe, offers a safe and exciting way to develop cycling skills.
From 2pm, things speed up with criterium racing around the Oakes Oval complex, featuring fast-paced, bunch-style racing on a closed street circuit. Spectators are encouraged to enjoy the action from Lismore’s Sporting Hub, where vendors will provide coffee, food and plenty of atmosphere.
Free parking is available in the Harold Federicks car park between the Lismore Regional Sports Hub and the Lismore Library/Art Gallery buildings.
On Sunday, the focus shifts to the Fondo events – participation rides designed to accommodate different skill levels and fitness. Riders can choose between the Gran Fondo (110km), Medio Fondo (70km), or Piccolo Fondo (28km).
A Byron Bay Cycle Club spokesperson said riders will be safe no matter what event they choose to participate in.
“Cycling isn’t just about racing, these Fondo events are a chance for people to enjoy the beauty of our region at their own pace,” the spokesperson said.
“The festival is for everyone, whether you're a seasoned rider or just looking for a fun way to get active.
“Safety is paramount, with marshals patrolling the courses in vehicles. Participants are reminded that all bikes must be road-legal (including pedal-assist bikes) and that helmets are mandatory.”
The Lismore Cycling Festival is the latest in a series of major sporting events hosted in Lismore this year, solidifying the city's reputation as the sporting hub of the Northern Rivers and drawing in events for athletes and enthusiasts of all kinds.
The event is expected to generate an economic boost of $45,000 for local businesses, with proceeds from the festival supporting the Lismore Rescue Helicopter Service.
For more information and to register, visit the official Lismore Cycling Festival website at www.byronbaycycleclub.org.au/lismore-cycling-festival-2024.