Nat Bromhead
The newest event on Australia’s cycling calendar is here! The Mudgee Classic will be held on Sunday, May 2, and delivered by Australia’s pre-eminent cycling media brand, Bicycling Australia.
The inaugural event, originally planned for May 2020, was sadly cancelled due to COVID-19. With the majority of riders choosing to defer their registration, the 2021 Mudgee Classic is already at more than 70% capacity.
Registrations Are Open Now – You Can Sign Up Here.
The Mudgee Classic is the second NSW-based cycling event for Bicycling Australia, and their fourth national cycling Classic event.
Bicycling Australia Publisher James Yaffa said further to the success of the multi award-winning Bowral Classic, he was delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase Mudgee – a region recently listed in TripAdvisor’s Top 10 destinations in the world – to the nation’s cyclists.
“I thank Destination NSW, Mid-Western Council and the support of our commercial partners and the amazing Mudgee community,” he said. “We know this event will be a real drawcard for our discerning audience who will enjoy all that Mudgee offers.”
“I would also like to thank all our loyal readers, supporters and event participants – you sticking with us and showing continued support over the past 12-months has meant so much,” he added.
Ride & Support The Regions
In announcing the Mudgee Classic, Mr Yaffa said the company was continuing the strategy of selecting areas that offer more than just wonderful cycling.
“This will be an event that will bring families and groups to stay in stunning Mudgee region,” he said. “It is fantastic to see our enthusiastic and loyal riders follow Bicycling Australia and join the Classics journey, with more than 30% participating in all Classics!”
Three Courses, Options for All
Catering for all levels of cycling ability, the Mudgee Classic offers three courses.
The Maxi Classic (170km) caters for the more seasoned rider who is looking for a real challenge as they go through the Munghorn National Park and stunning Bylong Valley on route back to Mudgee.
The Challenge Classic (120km) – will see riders roll out to beautiful Rylstone, perhaps one of the most iconic country towns in NSW.
And the Social Classic (35km) is for the more relaxed rider, where they will enjoy the rolling hills and the smell of wine on a more causal ride.
Riders and their supporters can relax on a supplied bean bag and refuel on fine food, wine and craft beer that will be in abundance at the official Event Village. A full COVID safety management plan will be in place and there will be live music, local food suppliers and many other activities for kids and families.
The Perfect Cycling Destination
Located just 268km north-west of Sydney, Mudgee is known for its rolling hills, exquisite food and rustic, charming vineyards. The region also enjoys a bustling cycling culture.
Ken Sutcliffe, the 9 network’s retired sports anchor and a proud Mudgee local, said Mudgee is the second oldest town west of the Blue Mountains and a “must-see tourist destination.”
“We have great wine, fantastic food and sensational coffee,” he said. “Plus the best sporting facilities in regional NSW. It’s a cycling mecca boasting fabulous villages and outstanding roads for cyclists.”
Mayor of the Mid-Western Region, Des Kennedy, said the region is the perfect location for a cycling classic boasting picturesque natural scenery and historic towns and villages with iconic architecture.
“We’re excited to welcome cyclists from around Australia for the inaugural Mudgee Classic in 2021,” Cr Kennedy said.
“This event will be the first of its kind west of the Blue Mountains and we’re delighted Bicycling Australia has selected our region to host this event following the success of the Bowral, Clare and Noosa Classic events. This event is a great fit for our region and its loyal cycling community.”
The State Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres, said the NSW Government remains dedicated to supporting the many regions across the State, noting Mudgee’s newest sporting event as another great addition to Regional NSW’s robust events calendar.
“Regional events such as the Mudgee Classic are an important contributor to regional tourism, attracting interstate and international visitation and injecting a significant economic boost into the local region,” he said.
“Our programs have delivered record growth in regional visitor numbers, record growth in regional visitor nights and record growth in visitor expenditure in regional NSW and we’re determined to continue turbocharging our rural areas through events and driving local economies,” Mr Ayres added.
Help Others Who Need It Most
More than a brilliant weekend of cycling, there’s a serious side to the Mudgee Classic and that is the charity factor. Bicycling Australia’s Gran Fondo events have collectively generated more than $400,000 for various charity groups and, so far as we’re concerned, things are just getting started.
2021 Mudgee Classic riders will have the opportunity of supporting their charity of their choice and help those who need it most.
Register For The Mudgee Classic Via This Link
