International para-cycling comes to Adelaide this summer

The South Australian Tourism Commission and AusCycling have today announced that Adelaide will host the opening round of the 2024 UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup as part of the Santos Tour Down Under’s festival of events.

The international event will see more than 300 of the world’s best para-cyclists compete from January 13–17.

It will be the first time the World Cup has been held in South Australia. Australia last hosted the competition in 2011, in Sydney.

The para-cyclists will first compete in a team relay on January 13 in Adelaide’s city centre, using the same criterium circuit as the men’s Down Under Classic later that evening.

From there, the event moves to The Bend Motorsport Park near Tailem Bend for both time trials and road races.

Paralympic champion and ARA Australian Cycling Team athlete Darren Hicks said he was excited to ride in front of his home crowds.

“I’ve had the privilege of competing all around the world, but racing a UCI World Cup just an hour away from home instead of taking three flights and 30 hours of travel is a real treat. Plus, getting to show off what Adelaide and Australia have to offer to the para-cycling world will be very special.

“I’m looking forward to soaking in the support of the Australian crowds and taking part in the wider Santos Tour Down Under festival.”

Adelaide's Darren Hicks is excited to welcome the World Cup in January. (Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)

AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said the integration of this competition into the Santos Tour Down Under was a great fit.

“Australia is the centre of world cycling in January, so it’s exciting to be hosting the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in Adelaide, on home soil for the first time in 13 years,” Fechner said.

“This event will showcase and celebrate how inclusive the sport of cycling is, and how riding a bike can transform lives. It will also be a crucial event for Australia’s world-class para-cyclists as they prepare for next year’s Paralympic Games.”

The 2024 UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup will consist of three rounds of competition that play a vital role for nations seeking to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Next year’s Santos Tour Down Under includes a men’s and women’s WorldTour stage race and a new gravel race co-founded by Tiffany Cromwell and Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas.

Photos: Ed Sykes / SWpix.com