Gears turning on mountain bike proposal

A PUSH for mountain biking to be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games could see the sport hosted by a Harcourt bike park.

The Union Cycliste Internationale has approached the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Victorian Government to try and include the sport in the program, and Mount Alexander Shire is advocating for the La Larr Ba Gauwa Mountain Bike Park to be the event’s location.

“We have been working on this pitch for several weeks and when the Victorian Government opened the EOI process for additional sports to be considered, we were quick to submit La Larr Ba Gauwa Mountain Bike Park as the perfect venue to host mountain biking,” Mount Alexander Shire CEO Darren Fuzzard.

“It is located in the township of Harcourt… and provides 34 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails set against the beautiful Mount Alexander Regional Park.

“Spectators would also be treated to a great regional experience, as the park is located close to accommodation, cafes and restaurants, retail and cultural venues at nearby Castlemaine, Kyneton and Woodend.

“As a neighbouring shire and close to the host city of Bendigo, we are really excited by the possibility of being involved in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”

According to the Mount Alexander Shire, La Larr Ba Gauwa Mountain Bike Park attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year.

The City of Greater Bendigo is also advocating for the Shire to host the event, which could provide shared benefits.

“Every host city wants to host the best games ever and that is what our regional cities will be striving for in a few years’ time,” City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Metcalf said.

“We are really fortunate to have such a diverse range of sports facilities in and around Bendigo, and we believe the addition of mountain biking to the Bendigo program would make for an exciting offering for spectators and the many residents who enjoy track and road cycling and mountain biking as a hobby.”

Mountain biking will be an event at the 2022 Birmingham games and was included in the previous two games.