Wollongong’s first criterium track to open in time for 2022 AusCycling Masters

Wollongong’s first criterium track is almost ready to open with work having commenced on the track in Lindsay Maynes Park in Unanderra earlier this year. The track is due to be completed in time for the 2022 AusCycling Masters and Junior Road National Championships in September.

A criterium track is a self-contained road circuit that can be used for criterium races and training. The purpose-built track at Lindsay Maynes Park caters to riders of all levels and provides an opportunity to ride and race on a closed-loop course.

For those who aren’t familiar with criterium or “crit” racing, it’s simply a bike race consisting of several laps around a closed, off-road circuit. It’s one of the fastest forms of bike racing as it favours cyclists who excel at speed instead of endurance.

Wollongong City has designed the asphalt track so that it’s suitable for all ages and skillsets and ranges between six and eight metres wide, allowing for multiple riders and safe overtaking opportunities. While it can it be used by professional cyclists, it’s also perfect for community members using non-motorised equipment such as rollerblades or scooters when not in use for cycling events.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said that there were still some remaining landscaping and tidy up works to be done, but the majority of the works were now completed.

Lord Mayor Bradbery noted “after the works have wrapped up, the track is able to be used by community members who are keen to give it a go. This is an incredible asset for our broader community who are looking for a safe, off-road place to ride a bike, rollerblade or scooter.’’

Wollongong City Council Acting General Manager Linda Davis said the criterium track was an important piece of infrastructure to support safer riding skills whether people were on a bike, skateboard or scooter.

“As we prepare to welcome the world’s top cyclists to our city next month, we know there is a keen focus on cycling opportunities right across our city,’’ she said.

“As a UCI Bike City, we’re focussed on delivering a wide range of cycling infrastructure that will support our community to be active and to participate in a range of outdoor pursuits. This investment will be one of the legacies of bringing this prestigious international event to our city.

“The criterium track will provide a dedicated off-road riding opportunity for local cycling clubs for their race days, training and skills development. However, its use is not limited to elite or aspiring cyclists. It links into our growing city-wide cycling network of shared paths, on-road cycleways, the Mountain Bike Park at Cringila Hills, and community bike tracks that provide diverse riding opportunities.’’

The Lindsay Maynes Park Criterium Track is funded by Round 8 of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program, which contributed $750,000 to the project in association with other funds from the Dendrobium Community Enhancement Program.

The criterium track will remain open during the 2022 UCI Road World Championships.

Images: The Illawarra Criterium Track