UCI Cyclefest attracts hundreds of international competitors and Bundaberg’s Brody Allison is pumped for the competition.
Racing in the Under-17 division at Cycle Fest in 2019 and placing in the top three riders, Brody said he was eager to move up to the Elite B grade level this time around and he expected it to be a tough competition.
“I have never raced in an elite race group with riders from
all over Australia, and possibly from around the world will compete too,” Brody
said.
“I love getting out on the velodrome and keeping fit.”
Brody, 16, recently competed in the state titles and came home with a gold and two bronze; he was selected for the state team to compete at a national level, and he modestly said as junior rider in Australia this was the highest level that could be achieved.
The Year 11 Shalom College student comes from a family of
soccer players and has only been riding for five years.
“I hope continue on the road and still do track riding, but my
big hope is to road race and one day take part in Tour de France,” Brody said.
“I have been talking to Alan Davis, he is a world champion
for a couple of events on the road, I’ve been speaking with him because I will
be heading over to Europe this year for three years to race.
“Alan lives in Spain now he will come to the Cycle Fest also.”
UCI Cyclefest organiser shares legacy
Organising the 2020 UCI Cycle Fest International, Jason
Templeman is wearing his heart on his sleeve as he continues to share the
legacy of his grandfather Kevin Brogden.
Never cycling competitively himself, Jason said the reason why he spent weeks away from his family in Brisbane organising the international cycling event was because he wanted to ensure his late grandfather’s name lived on.
“The velodrome is named after him and it keeps me attached to this event,” Jason said.
“He was the president here for 30 years, a life member of
cycling Queensland and Australia.”
2020 UCI Cyclefest boosts economy
Jason said riders from all over the world would start to arrive in the Bundaberg Region for the 2020 UCI Cyclefest International on Monday, and cycling will start on Wednesday.
“We have riders from Germany and the British Virgin Islands arriving
tomorrow, and have planned a few school visits and a trip up to the children’s
ward at the hospital,” he said.
The world-class cyclists will continue to arrive for the UCI Cyclefest throughout the week with the main events taking place from Friday evening.
Jason said the 2020 UCI Cyclefest International was the last chance for some of the professional cyclist to claim qualification points before the Tokyo Olympics in July.
“It’s the last opportunity to claim points worldwide for the
Olympics and a couple of riders need to make up the points to qualify,” he
said.
“We have a couple of South Africa ladies that are chasing
points and also some of the Americans.”
With about 600 competitive riders coming to the Bundaberg Region for the 2020 UCI Cyclefest International, Jason said he expected Bundaberg to get a multi-million dollar boost.
“We are probably looking at 3500 extra people in the region
over the next week,” Jason said.
“We are on target for where we need to be, and what we are
trying to do.
“There are not a lot of beds left in the town, which is good
news for the region.
“We are on target for that $5 million injection into the economy.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said Cyclefest International brings with it many great opportunities for the community.
“It is absolutely fantastic to have this major, international cycling event in Bundaberg and Council is extremely proud to be a sponsor,” he said.
“This event comes together because it really delivers to the community.
“I congratulate everyone who has been involved to bring this fantastic initiative together.”
Multiple events for 2020 UCI Cyclefest
It will be an action-packed week in Bundaberg for sports fans, with several events taking place during the 2020 UCI Cyclefest International.
Jason said riders as young as seven years of age right up to the master riders who were in their 70s who be taking part in the 2020 UCI Cyclefest International.
“There are 114 events across three days here in the
velodrome,” he said.
“Our focus has always been heavily on destination Bundaberg,
and this event could not go ahead without all the sponsors, especially the
Bundaberg Regional Council, the event wouldn’t be going ahead with their
support.
“We have had a 33 per cent increase on nominations this
year, that’s pretty good and something we are very proud of is there is also 19
per cent more females this year too.”
Jason said the multi-level sporting event included a triathlon,
a popular Legends Breakfast with Wendell Sailor and Chris Lynn, street racing
and track cycling.
“Chris and Wendell will be in the region for a couple of
days, they will enjoy what we have here from fishing to golf and much more,” he
said.
“And the street racing will be held on Targo Street this year,
from Woondooma to George Street and we encourage the community to come along
and check out this amazing event on Wednesday.”
UCI qualifications will take place at the Kevin Brogden
Memorial Velodrome over three days from Thursday to Saturday, with the
community also invited to attend.
Then the triathlon, partnering with Bargara Triathlon, will take
place at Kellys Beach on Sunday morning.
“They are expecting about 500 athletes to take part and some of the cyclists have crossed over to take part as well,” Jason said.
“It’s a pretty exciting week to be here in Bundaberg.”
To find out more about the events featured as part of the UCI Cyclefest International 2020, head to the Facebook page here.
Earlier reports:
