Cycling enthusiasts agog at Toowoomba Criterium Track opening – labelled "Australia's best"

 Toowoomba's new cycling criterium track at Glenvale was labelled Australia's best at today's (November 27) official opening function. It is a sentiment which will spread far and wide judging by the turnout of riders and interested residents.

Several hundred eager cyclists, including cycle club members, juniors, fixed-gear devotees and social riders, joined special guests Michael Rogers, a three time world time trial champion, and former professional Scott Sunderland for the first official lap.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Peter Taylor and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine joined the pro riders at the head of the peloton for the 1.76km opening lap.

Earlier, Cr Taylor and Mr Shine unveiled the official track plaque and declared the facility open for community use.

Cr Taylor said the new $2.34 million community facility was a joint project between council, the state government and the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (RAS).

"This is another first for Toowoomba that will add to the social fabric and offer opportunities for economic benefits for the region," Cr Taylor said.

"It also enhances Toowoomba's ability to attract major national and even international events, particularly in the years before the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

"Council is proud of this new venue and is looking forward to people using the facility."

Council's Financial and Sporting Services portfolio leader Cr Mike Williams said the opening was the culmination of many years' hard work by dedicated community members and council staff past and present.

He said the finished project was a world-class venue and council's Infrastructure Services work crew deserved particular credit.

RAS chairman John McDonald AM said the track was a great community asset.

"I'm looking forward to seeing future state champions coming from Toowoomba."

Michael Rogers, a top 10 Tour de France finisher who is preparing for his 12th  professional season, said the track gave children a playground to blossom.

"The most exciting aspect of the criterium track is the safe environment it offers young riders as they develop their riding skills," Rogers said.

"This is one of the longest criterium tracks I've seen and it looks to have something for different types of riders.

"Professionals could use it for interval work. Given the various rises, I'm sure there will be a few sore legs around here. Australians generally grow up on flat ground and I can see this type of circuit adding all-round balance to a rider's training."

Former national champion Scott Sunderland added his expert opinion by declaring the most positive aspect of the track was the safety it offered riders.

He said children could learn and enjoy cycling basics while parents and trainers could have peace of mind about the safe practice venue.

Cycling Facility Development Committee members Ian Knox and Kerry Cosgrove were praised for their unwavering commitment to the project stretching back eight years.

Mr Knox said Toowoomba's criterium track unquestionably was the best in Australia.

The venue is open free to public use unless the track has been booked for specific uses.  A noticeboard at the venue will indicate whether the track is open or closed to the public.

Bookings can be made by contacting council on 131 872.

The venue has car parking and an amenities block with unisex change rooms, showers, toilets and a disabled toilet. One toilet is open at all times.

Access to the small clubroom and facilities in the amenities block can be arranged when hiring the venue.

More details about the facility are on council's website at www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au

Caption: RAS chairman John McDonald AM (left), Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine and Toowoomba Region Mayor Peter Taylor with the criterium track plaque.

Caption: Australian professional cyclist Michael Rogers (left) and former pro rider Scott Sunderland prepare for the opening lap at the Toowoomba criterium track.