Cronulla International Grand Prix, NSW’s biggest cycling event, has been rewarded by Cycling Australia with the allocation of the National Criterium Championships.

The National titles have been staged for a considerable number of years in Queensland, but following the decision of organisers to withdraw the Queensland Grand Prix from the calendar, Cycling Australia called for expressions of interest to stage the event.

Despite considerable number of requests from many states of Australia, the Cronulla Grand Prix was selected due to its emerging media success and the large number of European based professional cyclists that the races has attracted as well as many Australian leading cyclists.

The men’s 36 km feature event and the Women’s 24 km race will be the two Australian championship events and should now attract even more interest.

Graham Fredericks, CEO of Cycling Australia stated “the Cronulla International Criterium has, in a very short time, established itself as a marquee event on the NSW and national cycling calendars and it is certainly an event worthy of carrying the status of an Australian championship".

Phill Bates AM, a long standing cycling promoter and administrator, welcomed the decision and is looking forward to an even busier time in the lead up to the Cronulla Grand Prix.

Bates said “The feature races will now be far greater than previous years with many more top riders joining the bulk of the European professionals in a bid to add the National Criterium Championship.

The beauty of the 1.34 km circuit is that it is extremely well prepared by Sutherland Shire Council, and the long straight and technical aspects of the course, gives all cyclists a chance for victory.”

Both feature races are televised live nationally by Network Nine and the event receives extensive media coverage, not just locally but nationally as well.

The day will cover most categories of cycling and it is anticipated that more than 400 competitors will compete on the day.

The organisers are hopeful of more than 10,000 spectators witnessing not just the world class cycling action but a men and women’s 1500 metre athletic event and an In-line skating event