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UCI Bike City Legacies
Wollongong is the first city in the southern hemisphere to be awarded the status of UCI Bike City thanks to its overarching commitment to cycling – from safety, education, infrastructure and tourism product, to hosting the 2022 UCI Road World Championships.
Hosting the Championships wasn’t just about the races – it’s been a game changer for our city. We’re stoked to have been the Host City for this global event, bringing lasting benefits to our community, boosting the local economy, and making waves far beyond race day.
Putting Wollongong on the Map
Over 200 million international viewers are estimated to have caught a glimpse – many for the first time – of the stunning beaches, escarpment, and coastline of our hometown. Wollongong is now firmly on the world map, joining the ranks of iconic global cities like Paris, Zurich, Milan, Copenhagen, Florence, Barcelona, and Montreal, all of whom have had the honour of hosting the UCI Championships.
Riding the Blue Line
Transport for NSW has recently painted new line markings from Helensburgh to Thirroul to mark the UCI 2022 Cycle Race Route. The iconic blue line now stretches along the race route, with a few diversions to keep both riders and motorists safe.
Cyclists can now ride the Blue Line, tracing the exact path the athletes took during the race!
Visit all 5 UCI Course Markers
To celebrate the 2022 UCI Road World Championships, Wollongong City Council has installed five course markers at key spots around the city. These markers give passionate riders the chance to relive the race, whether they’re tackling sections of the course themselves or simply standing on the footpath at Ramah Avenue, amazed by the strength required to power up a hill like that! You’ll find the markers at:
- The time trials start line on Market Street, Wollongong
- The finish line on Marine Drive
- The start line of the Elite Women’s and Men’s road races on Walker Street, Helensburgh
- On Mt Keira Road marking a section of the road races
- On Ramah Avenue marking a section of the Elite Women’s and Men’s road races
Commemorative Artwork in Lang Park
To celebrate this landmark event, Wollongong City Council unveiled a stunning new public artwork by award-winning artist Jane Cavanough. The artwork now graces Marine Drive in Lang Park, directly across from the Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club at City Beach.
Lang Park was the heart of the 2022 UCI Road World Championships, hosting the finish line and event village, where fans cheered on athletes and enjoyed a range of community activities. This new piece of art honours Lang Park’s significance, creating a lasting connection to the bike path nearby.
Commissioned by the Council before the Championships, the artwork was inspired by Ms Cavanough’s experience at the race, drawing on the energy of the community and the athletes themselves.
Infrastructure and Investment
Hosting the event was just the beginning—since then, Wollongong City Council has secured additional State and Federal funding for a range of legacy projects that will benefit the entire community. These game-changing initiatives include:
- Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park – a world-class facility already drawing thousands of riders and adventurers.
- Illawarra Criterium Track and Velodrome – built for speed, skill, and serious cycling action.
- Upgraded cycle pathways – bringing us closer to our goal of more than 200 km of shared paths and safe cycleways.
These projects ensure the legacy of the Championships lives on, making Wollongong an even better place to ride!
Inspiring & Educating the Next Generation
Wollongong’s young people had the ultimate front-row seat to a world-class event. The kids who cheered from their driveways in 2022 could be the future champions flying the flag for Australia at the 2032 Olympics on the Gold Coast. There’s nothing more inspiring than watching the world’s best athletes push their limits right before your eyes.
Thanks to the Wollongong 2022 legacy, AusCycling’s Ride Nation program is keeping the momentum going – getting the community moving with Bike Immersion Days and skills training for children, youth, and women. So far, over 3,000 kids across 20 local schools have jumped on their bikes and into the action.
By sparking a love for cycling early, we’re not just shaping future champions—we’re helping build a healthier, happier generation.
Stories from the UCI Road World Champs: Held in Wollongong
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