Road cycling worlds promise thrilling racing against scenic backdrop

The sport of cycling is no stranger to picturesque scenery. Road cycling is renowned for its stunning broadcasts, particularly during grand tour season – panning shots of French châteaux, Italian mountain passes and Spanish landscapes. It is not for nothing that tourism agencies are a major sponsor of cycling events globally.

Even by these standards, the UCI Road World Championships – which begin on Sunday in Wollongong – will be pleasing to the eye. The road race course will see the world’s best riders battle it out along a beautiful coastal road, from Helensburgh to Wollongong, including the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge at Stanwell Park, which protrudes into the ocean. The peloton will then head into the highlands to conqueror Mount Keira, before doing laps of a city circuit – 12 for the elite men, six for the women – before the world champions are crowned.

The course, particularly the opening 60 kilometres, will make for stunning television. The mix of terrain – a frenetic opening section, a tough climb and then a punishing circuit – will ensure thrilling racing. But the winding coastal road, from the far southern edge of Sydney down to Wollongong, also serves as an apt metaphor for the world championships’ return to Australian shores, 12 years since they were last held here. Just getting to the start-line has been a monumental effort, for riders, national teams and the event organisers.

Three factors have caused major headaches. First, distance. Australia is a long way from cycling’s European heartland. The past five road world championships have been held in Europe; in the time since the event was last in Australia, just two editions have taken place outside the heartland – one in Doha and one in the United States.