International Madison cancelled

BENDIGO International Madison secretary Rik McCaig has announced the cycling and athletic event will not return for a fifty-first staging under the current committee.

Mr McCaig said the organisers have regretfully decided not to continue the Australian sporting staple.

“The Bendigo International Madison has had a long and proud history in Bendigo… Despite our best efforts, mounting challenges in recent years have proven insurmountable, making it no longer feasible to conduct the event to the high standards it has always upheld,” he said.

“Over the years, the Bendigo International Madison has brought world-class athletes to our city. Olympians, Tour de France competitors, and World Champions have graced this event, including Mark Cavendish, Stuart O’Grady, Baden Cooke, Lucas Hamilton, Simon Clarke, Caleb Ewan, Gary Sutton, Urs Freuler, and Brett Aitken, to name but a few. The list of international participants and nations represented is a testament to the global reach and prestige of the Madison.

“As Australia’s most prestigious track cycling and athletic carnival, the Madison has been a tradition on the Labour Day weekend, attracting spectators and tourists from across Australia and around the world. Countries represented include Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Chile, Argentina, the United States, Switzerland, Japan, China, South Africa, Canada, and Denmark, among many others.

“While the Bendigo International Madison will not continue, its legacy will live on in the memories of those who participated, supported, and celebrated its success. We take immense pride in what the Madison has achieved and the sense of community it has fostered over the past 50 years.”

Mr McCaig thanked sponsors, volunteers, athletes, and spectators for their time, support, loyalty and passion which made the event great.

“Though this chapter has come to an end, we hope the spirit of the Madison will continue to inspire and unite our community in the years to come,” he said.