Cyclocross champs take to Vic Park

IT’S a case of the muddier the conditions the better for the 2023 AusCycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships, set to be held at Victoria Park this weekend.

The best riders in Australia will be taking part in the event which involves many laps of a short course with mud, grass, steep hills, and obstacles.

The terrain can sometimes be so challenging the riders need to dismount their bike and carry them over certain sections.

Co-organiser Adam McNicol said it’s those aspects that set cyclocross apart from other cycling events.

“What’s fun and crazy is that the riders have to be off their bikes for some of it,” he said.

“The course takes the riders to the mullock heap and they have to walk up the mullock heap and ride down the other side.”

Perfect for the Ballarat climate, cold and wet weather conditions will not hamper the race.

“One of the things about cyclocross is it’s a sport that’s meant to be a bit muddy, it’s kind of bonkers,” said Mr McNicol.

“A little bit of rain is perfect, we want it to be muddy.”

Mr McNicol encouraged people to get along and watch a sport that he said is entertaining and unexpected.

“The key reason to come down is to check out a sport you might not have seen before and it’s really exciting because instead of being on paved roads we take them through the park and through the mud,” he said.

“It’s going to be a hell of a lot of fun.”

The event is free to attend and at 12pm on both Saturday and Sunday there will be a come and try session for children with bikes provided.

“It’s wonderful to have the National Championship return to Victoria, and last year’s national series event in Ballarat was truly impressive,” said 2022 elite women’s national champion Bec Locke.

“The course promises to be fast unless rain intervenes, which could favour certain riders.

“Personally, I’m hoping for rain and plenty of mud.”

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson encouraged the community to come and see the spectacle.

“Once again we’re going to see Victoria Park come alive for another fantastic event that showcases the amazing park we have,” he said.

“These athletes certainly love a challenge and I love how they revel in all types of conditions.”

Racing will run from 10am until 4pm both Saturday and Sunday in Victoria Park.