IT\u2019S 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The terrain can sometimes be so challenging the riders need to dismount their bike and carry them over certain sections.<\/p>\n
Co-organiser Adam McNicol said it\u2019s those aspects that set cyclocross apart from other cycling events.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s fun and crazy is that the riders have to be off their bikes for some of it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe course takes the riders to the mullock heap and they have to walk up the mullock heap and ride down the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perfect for the Ballarat climate, cold and wet weather conditions will not hamper the race.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things about cyclocross is it\u2019s a sport that\u2019s meant to be a bit muddy, it\u2019s kind of bonkers,\u201d said Mr McNicol.<\/p>\n
\u201cA little bit of rain is perfect, we want it to be muddy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr McNicol encouraged people to get along and watch a sport that he said is entertaining and unexpected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe key reason to come down is to check out a sport you might not have seen before and it\u2019s really exciting because instead of being on paved roads we take them through the park and through the mud,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a hell of a lot of fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful to have the National Championship return to Victoria, and last year\u2019s national series event in Ballarat was truly impressive,\u201d said 2022 elite women\u2019s national champion Bec Locke.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe course promises to be fast unless rain intervenes, which could favour certain riders.<\/p>\n
\u201cPersonally, I\u2019m hoping for rain and plenty of mud.\u201d<\/p>\n
City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson encouraged the community to come and see the spectacle.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce again we\u2019re going to see Victoria Park come alive for another fantastic event that showcases the amazing park we have,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese athletes certainly love a challenge and I love how they revel in all types of conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Racing will run from 10am until 4pm both Saturday and Sunday in Victoria Park.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
IT\u2019S 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 […]<\/p>\n