Stage set for 2024 AusCycling Cyclo-cross National Championships in Ballarat

The highly anticipated 2024 Cyclo-cross National Championships are set to return to Ballarat, promising an action-packed weekend of racing and entertainment.

Competitors will face a variety of challenging obstacles, including the potential for plenty of mud and even a touch of snow, at Victoria Park as they battle it out for the national titles in elite and age-group categories.

Ballarat will host the National Championships on Saturday August 17, followed by the CX BALLARAT UCI C2 and CX BALLARAT events on Sunday, August 18. It is the first time in five years Australia has hosted a UCI C2 event.

Having first hosted the National Championships in 2023 to great acclaim, Ballarat is excited to welcome back the event for 2024. The event is expected to attract more than 250 competitors from across Australia, and beyond from as far away as Japan and even Europe, generating an estimated $200,000 for the local economy.

Cyclo-cross, an off-road form of bike racing, involves navigating a short circuit filled with barriers and obstacles that often require riders to dismount and carry their bikes. Originating in Europe, this winter sport is known for its challenging and muddy tracks, beers and beats, providing a thrilling spectacle for both participants and spectators.

The Victoria Park course spans 2.65 km and features a short but steep climb and descent on ‘The Mound,’ officially named Mount Holled-Smith. This unique terrain will test the skills and endurance of all competitors.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson, said: “We are truly delighted to host this spectacular event in Ballarat once again and I cannot wait to see Victoria Park come alive with the thrills and spills that cyclo-cross delivers.”
 
“The feedback we have had from previous years has been extremely positive and it is fantastic to see the sport growing before our eyes. I encourage Ballarat residents and visitors to head down to Victoria Park to catch a glimpse of the event. I promise you will not be disappointed."

AusCycling Executive General Manager Sport, Kipp Kaufmann, said: "The Cyclo-cross National Championships keep building great momentum in the community. Ballarat is an incredible location to host the National Championships and we know that it will provide a great time for all involved. We look forward to seeing our top talent out seeking to win the green and gold jersey."

Last year’s elite champions, Katherine Hosking (Orbea Women's Racing) and Chris Aitken (MAAP-Sixpence Coffee CX) will both be in Ballarat to defend their titles.

"I’m excited to return to Victoria Park for the upcoming National Championships as the team at CX Ballarat has always hosted a top-level event for riders and spectators. I’m excited to try and defend the men’s national title as this year we have had multiple riders all pushing the pace at the front end of the race,” Aitken said.

"I really enjoyed the race last year, the mud made it exciting and unpredictable. I liked the challenging aspect of the mud, so I'm hoping for some rain but we will have to wait and see what the CX gods provide! It would be amazing to defend my title this year, but I know there are some very fast women racing who will make that challenging, I'm sure it will be a good race to watch," Hosking said.

CX Ballarat was established as a national series event in 2022 and successfully positioned Ballarat as the ideal location for cyclo-cross, further cementing the city’s standing as a cycling hub. The weekend is also a festival of cycling for the whole community, with free come-and-try rides for local schools, food and music across the weekend. All are welcome and it is free to come and watch.

The 2024 AusCycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships will be held on Saturday with racing from 9am to 3.30pm. CX Ballarat and the UCI C2 races will be held on Sunday from 8.30am.

The event is supported by the City of Ballarat and Sport and Recreation Victoria.

Pictures: @shotbyleealexand3r.