Sydney Olympic Park Gets Pedal-Power

24 August 2006

From racers to mountain bikes, hand cycles to freestyle BMXs, Sydney Olympic Park is getting pedal-power with the Festival of Cycling, and the wheels are set in motion for the annual event from 21-22 October 2006.

The Festival of Cycling features all things wheely, offering a range of events for all ages and fitness levels, spectators and participants:

• Cycle Messenger World Championships (21 October) – For the first time in Australia since its launch in 1993, cycle messengers from Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, The U.S and more will compete against the best bike couriers in Australia.

• 2006-2007 National Mountain Bike Series – Mountain X Round 1– the wheels start rolling on Saturday 21 October with the Opening Round of the National 4 X Series, where the best local and interstate riders go head to head.

• Peloton Olympic Criterium showcases the best competitors aged from seven years to the elite level, with racing taking place from 9am through to 6pm on Saturday 21 October.

• NSW Wheelchair Sports hand cycle racing and demonstrations (21 October) where spectators can get extremely close to the action to see just how demanding hand cycling really is!

Portfolio Partners Spring Cycle –On Sunday (22 October) 10,000 riders will have a great day out and get to see Sydney at its best; by bike!. Endorsed and supported by the Heart Foundation, the Spring Cycle is the perfect way for families, friends and cycling enthusiasts to get active and build healthy hearts. With distances from 5km to 50km there is something to suit all riders. Pedal power takes over the streets of Sydney, as cyclists ride from North Sydney, over the traffic free Harbour Bridge via old Glebe Island Bridge and on to finish on the Olympic Boulevard, at Sydney Olympic Park. The Overflow at the Park will be full of free entertainment, market stalls, cycling activities, live music, delicious food and drinks, as well as a many retailers showcasing the latest equipment.

Sydney Olympic Park has become Sydney’s premier cycling destination, where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors by bringing their own bike to explore 35km of cycling tracks. Bikes can also be hired from the Visitor Centre, and to enrich the cycling experience, cyclists can also take an audio tour.

For more information on the Portfolio Partners Spring Cycle visit www.springcycle.com.au or ring 9218 5400. To learn more about the Festival of Cycling and get involved visit: www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au or call 9714 7888.

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For further information, images or interviews please call Louise Di Francesco on (02) 8234 4300 or (0418) 617 869