Bay Crits to start summer of cycling

PAST Bay Classic champions, Commonwealth Games gold medallists, national champions, overseas heroes, Olympians and a host of other superstars will descend on Geelong Waterfront on New Year’s Day for the start of the 2023 Citroen Bay Crits.

In addition to the three days of elite-level racing, a reformatted and revitalised junior race series will also see the best of emerging teenage talent take on the same circuit as their heroes.

“We are excited to have the Bay Crits back to three days to start the year in 2023,” race director John Trevorrow said.

“It has been an innovator over the years, taking the race to the people was what it was always about.

“Last year’s winners Blake Quick and Ruby Roseman-Gannon will be back to defend their titles and with the brilliant joint support of the Victorian government’s Significant Sporting Events Fund, Visit Victoria, and the City of Greater Geelong, the new look Bay Crits is aiming up for a huge 2023 with brand new sponsors in Citroen and the Spirit of Tasmania.”

The three-day event kicks off at Eastern Gardens, with Day two to take the race in the opposite direction.

Then the big finale at Ritchie Boulevard takes place on Tuesday, January 3 featuring an array of tight turns on the ‘hot-dog’ track, sure to stage entertaining and close racing.

“We will again be presenting the Damion Drapac Foundation Support Race for men and women who get their chance to display their talents in front of their peers, while paying tribute to an amazing young man that was tragically taken away too early,” Mr Trevorrow said.

“We also will have masters on show, displaying that they can still produce some serious horsepower at any age.

“I am especially pleased that we have been able to grow the events for the young stars of the future with the age group events for boys and girls from Under 11 to Under 19.

“The racing has always been great, and I’m sure this January we will again witness all the razzamatazz and entertainment that makes this series so special, and a welcome back to the international voice of cycling with global cycling guru Phil Liggett to be joined by Australia’s own voice Matt Keenan to host each of the three days.”

More than 200 cyclists will compete in the men’s and women’s elite Criterium and support events.