'Loxton Kicker’ awaits at 2024 Masters and Junior Road National Championships

A stinging climb on Loxton’s main street will test Australia’s masters and junior cyclists when they contest their national championships this September.

Dubbed the ‘Loxton Kicker’, the 430-metre pinch is the centrepiece of the toughest criterium circuit ever seen at the AusCycling Masters and Junior Road National Championships.

With an average gradient of 6%, the Loxton Kicker starts on Allen Hosking Drive and hits maximum slopes of 8% as it sweeps onto East Terrace.

The climb makes up a third of the 1.4-kilometre circuit, meaning there’s little time to get your breath back as you plunge back towards the start of the next ascent.

With the finish line positioned at the top of the Kicker, those who wish to become criterium champion will need to master this formidable challenge.

“After two flat criteriums in Wollongong and Shepparton, it’s exciting to bring a different kind of challenge to the national championships,” said race director Jeff Corbett.

“We’re delighted to bring the race into the centre of Loxton, right alongside the Murray and among local shops and businesses.”

“This criterium circuit is going to make for exciting racing. It won’t be straightforward for the sprinters, because it gives plenty of opportunities for attacking riders to break away.”

In contrast to the punchy criterium, the road race and time trial will showcase the sprawling Riverland terrain, replete with vineyards and orchards befitting of South Australia’s food bowl.

For the road race, the flat and open roads east of Loxton lend themselves towards a sprint of some kind, but beware of echelons if the wind is blowing.

When it comes to the individual time trial, the out-and-back course near the aerodrome should suit the powerful specialists.

Masters cyclists racing at the 2023 Masters Road National Championships. Picture: Matt Rousu

“Together with the District Council of Loxton Waikerie, I think we’ve put together three excellent courses that will suit a variety of riders,” Corbett said.

“Everything is primed for four days of high-quality racing that will produce deserving national champions.”

The 2024 AusCycling Masters and Junior Road National Championships brings together Australia’s under-15, under-17 and Masters 30+ cyclists as they race for the green-and-gold jersey of national champion.

The event will take place on September 19–22. Entries are now open at AusCycling’s event page.

Feature picture: John Veage