Shepparton to host Junior Road Cycling Champs

ON THE WHEEL... The nation's best young cyclists will descend on Shepparton next September when the city hosts Cycling Australia's Junior Road Championship. Photo: James Worsfold

CYCLING Australia has announced Greater Shepparton as the host city for the 2021 Junior Road Championship.

The three-day event for under-15 and under-17 cyclists, scheduled for September 24-26, is expected to see more than 400 riders and their support teams travel to the region from all over Australia, contributing an estimated $500,000 to the Greater City’s economy.
Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive officer, Peter Harriott, said the cycling event would add to the calibre of state, national and international cycling events hosted to date.

“We are excited to welcome our nation’s upcoming cycling sensations to Greater Shepparton in September next year,” Mr Harriott said.

“In the past we’ve seen young athletes such as Caleb Ewan win national junior titles in our region, and now he’s conquering the world winning stages at the Tour De France. We’re looking forward to be able to see future stars in action.

Mr Harriot also encouraged locals to get out on the bike, referring to the uptick in cycling over the months of Coronavirus restrictions.

“We encourage locals and visitors to support the event and go out and enjoy for themselves the many cycling paths that wind through the region taking in our landscapes,” he said.

Along with Greater Shepparton, the Sunshine Coast will host the 2021 Masters Road Championships and Wollongong and Kiama will host the 2022 Junior and Masters Road Championships.