NSW Junior Road Champs: AusCycling and NHCC commit to October date

AusCycling and Newcastle Hunter Cycling Club (NHCC) have confirmed their plans to host the 2021 AusCycling Junior Road State Championships - New South Wales on 30–31 October.

Entries are now open for the COVID-safe event at Hunter Economic Zone, Kurri Kurri, which will mark the return to racing after a four-month lockdown in NSW.

According to the state government’s roadmap out of lockdown, community sport can resume after 80% of the adult population is fully vaccinated. NSW is projected to reach this milestone by mid-October.

“It’s been a long lockdown, but it’s fantastic to think that bike racing will be back at the end of this month,” said James Nguyen, the NSW & ACT event manager at AusCycling.

With only a short timeframe to prepare, NHCC volunteers are asking riders to register early.

“Newcastle Hunter Cycling Club is excited to welcome the state’s juniors back after lockdown,” said Justin Rose, co-president of NHCC. “It’s been a difficult time, and I’m sure the young riders are bursting to get back to racing with their friends.

“However, we need parents to enter their children early, not leave it to the last minute.”

Rose explained that without a sponsor, the club will need the full support of participants so that these state championships can proceed.

“The club is running this race off its own bat, with AusCycling’s support. Financial viability is a real risk in these uncertain times. I think we’ll need at least 100 entries to go ahead, so we want to see those entries coming in now,” Rose said.

AusCycling has adjusted the event schedule to comply with COVID restrictions.

U9s, U11s and U13s will contest all their events in a single block on Saturday afternoon. U15s and U17s will race on Saturday morning and Sunday morning.

“The government has put a 200-person limit on gatherings, so we’ve arranged the schedule to minimise the number of people on site at any time,” said Nguyen.

Under the roadmap, people aged 16 and over must be fully vaccinated in order to attend outdoor events. Unvaccinated children under 16 will be allowed in outdoor settings.

The U15 and U17 criterium state championships are scheduled for the following weekend in Tamworth. The junior team time trial will not take place due to scheduling limitations.

To compete, riders must hold a Race All Discpline licence. You can renew in the Membership section of our website.

Click here to enter the 2021 AusCycling Junior Road State Championships - New South Wales. You will receive a full refund if the event does not proceed.

Photo: Ryan Miu