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The world’s best cyclists are set to head to Wollongong following confirmation yesterday that the seaside city south of Sydney has won the bid for the UCI Road World Championships.

The UCI Road World Championships, held in a different city or region every year, are the annual world championships for bicycle road racing organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Wollongong will host the event in 2022.

NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres confirmed the NSW government had secured the state its second international event as part of the “10 World Cups in 10 Years” campaign.

“The eyes of the world will be on Wollongong for eight days in 2022 between the 18 and 25 September, with an international viewing audience of 200 million people, more than 300,000 spectators and 500 media outlets staying in the region,” Ayres said.

“The Championships will see junior, under-23 and elite male and female athletes compete across the Road Race, Individual and Team Time Trial events, creating a world-class event for spectators.”

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall said: “More than 1000 competitors from more than 50 countries will compete and the event is expected to deliver AUD 94 million to the NSW visitor economy.”

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said: “Illawarra residents have a ‘once in a life-time opportunity’ to witness the world’s best cyclists, not to mention the fact our stunning region and its natural attractions will be broadcast into the homes of millions of people.

Bicycle road racing

“Wollongong has played host to major events including the annual ‘MS Sydney to the Gong’ ride and the recent Wigan versus Hull Super League match, so we can’t wait to show the world what this region can deliver.”

Cycling Australia chief executive, Steve Drake expressed confidence that the event would “inspire the next generation of Australian cyclists to ride their bikes for both sport and recreation”.

Edited by Peter Needham