The world’s best track cyclists have converged on Adelaide, in the lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Competition is underway as the Adelaide Super-Drome hosts the first of three Tissot UCI Track Nations Cups, staged internationally each year.
More than 300 riders from 40 countries are taking part in the three-day competition including some of track cycling’s biggest stars including ARA Australian Cycling Team members Matthew Richardson, Matthew Glaetzer, Georgia Baker and Alexandra Manly.
Cycling enthusiasts will be treated to competition across the six Olympic events, including the team pursuit and team sprint.
In addition to the Australian cyclists, international cycling stars such as track Olympic gold medallist Italy’s Filippo Ganna, Olympic gold medallist United States star Jennifer Valente and two-time Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion Great Britain’s Katie Archibald.
Starting today, the event is the first home international track cycling competition since Brisbane’s Anna Meares Velodrome hosted a round of the 2019/20 UCI Track World Cup.
The South Australian Government is supporting the event through the $40 million major events bid fund.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said the best cyclists in the world are in Adelaide for this event and this is the first time South Australia has hosted a Nations Cup.
“Cycling enthusiasts have an opportunity to see these athletes nearing their peak, as they battle it out for a top spot in what is one of the final qualifiers before the 2024 Paris Olympics,” Minister Bettison said.
“Off the back of the Santos Tour Down Under it is exciting to have yet another world-class cycling event happening here in Adelaide.”
Major Events Attraction Committee Chair, Leon Bignell said this will be the last time for Aussie sports fans to see some of the world’s best cyclists compete on Australian soil before the Paris 2024 Olympics which start in July.
“If you plan on tuning into watch the Olympics make sure you head out to the velodrome at Gepps Cross this weekend to get a taste of the atmosphere and excitement of track cycling,” Mr Bignell said.
“All these events – supported by the State Government – help boost our $10.2 billion visitor economy and sustain local jobs.”
