Mass ride to herald opening of Toowoomba Criterium Track

 Whether you're starting out on two wheels or belong to the lycra-clad fanatics, the opening of Toowoomba's Cycling Criterium Track has an event for riders of all abilities on Sunday, November 27.

Social bike riders are encouraged to pump up their tyres to line up for the official mass ride at the Glenvale track at 2.45pm.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Peter Taylor and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine will open the $2.34 million facility from 2pm.

The project is a joint initiative between council and the state government.

The Harvey Road site next to Toowoomba Showgrounds is held in a co-tenant agreement between council and the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (RAS).

Members of the public who don't ride a bike are welcome to join the opening festivities with food and drinks available for sale from 11am to 3pm.

Entry is free with vehicle access off Harvey Road in the showgrounds overflow carpark. No parking will be allowed along Harvey Road between Reithmuller Street and Glenvale Park. Events will proceed if it is raining.

Patrons can meet special guests Michael Rogers, a three time world time trial champion and top 10 Tour de France rider and former professional cyclist and commentator Scott Sunderland.

For more information about the facility, please visit www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au or call 131 872 to discuss hire and use options.

Event schedule Sunday, November 27:

• 10am (extending through the day) – Health and fitness expo featuring 20 displays from bike retailers, bicycle tour operators, health and fitness organisations and Cycling Queensland.
• 11am – Duathlon by Toowoomba Triathlon Club
• 11.45am – 5km run by Toowoomba Road Runners
• 12.30pm – Junior criterium (Platinum Health juniors)
• 1pm – Elite and Masters criterium (Bikeline Racing and Toowoomba Cycling Club)
• 2pm – Opening speeches with plaque unveiling at 2.36pm
• 2.45pm – Mass ride waved off for first lap
• 3.05pm – facility open for general public use

The Queensland Government provided $997,050 to Toowoomba Regional Council to construct a criterium track to get more Queenslanders active through sport and recreation.