Brisbane has secured the Oceania Road Championships as part of the Brisbane Cycling Festival, which is expected to deliver more than $4.7 million for Queensland’s economy in 2020.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the event would run as part of Brisbane Cycling Festival’s Tour de Brisbane in 2020 and 2021 thanks to a host agreement secured by Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Marketing, NXsports, Cycling Australia and the Oceania Cycling Confederation.

“This is a great win for Brisbane,” she said.

“Major events like this bring thousands of tourists to Queensland and support local jobs.

“The Oceania Road Championships will provide an added incentive for junior and elite men’s and women’s road cyclists from across Australia and New Zealand to head to Queensland and earn Union Cyclist International (UCI) points.

“This event also gives riders opportunities to make the national team – a great incentive for elite athletes.”

Ms Jones said the inaugural Brisbane Cycling Festival in 2019, which culminated in the Tour de Brisbane, was a huge success, attracting more than 11,000 people and delivering $4.7 million and more than 21,000 visitor nights for the Queensland economy.

“In 2020, the championship road races will be held on Sunday 5 April as part of the Tour de Brisbane, followed by time trials held in Ipswich the next day, giving riders and their support crews the opportunity to extend their stay and explore Brisbane and the surrounding regions.”

Ms Jones said Queensland’s portfolio of cycling events had grown since the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and securing the Oceania Road Championships reinforced the state’s position as the home of endurance sport in the Asia-Pacific region.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the 2020 Oceania Road Championships were a welcome addition to the highly-anticipated Brisbane Cycling Festival and would pedal the city’s reputation as a premier cycling destination.

“Brisbane’s strong cycling culture, coupled with our enviable outdoor lifestyle, makes our city the perfect place to stage the Oceania Road Championships.

“Participants and supporters can expect a vibrant festival atmosphere in Brisbane, as cyclists of all levels come together for an exclusive ride through our city and surrounds on fully closed roads.

“The Brisbane Cycling Festival is a highlight on our city’s calendar of major events, which generate over $150 million for our economy every year.”

President of the Oceania Cycling Confederation and Member of the Union Cycliste Internationale Management Committee Tracey Gaudry said the UCI and Oceania Cycling Confederation were delighted the 2020 and 2021 Oceania Road Championships would be held in Brisbane as part of the Tour de Brisbane and Brisbane Cycling Festival, with the city fast becoming a major international cycling hub in our region.

“The OCC thanks Cycling Australia, the City of Brisbane and the Queensland Government for their support in hosting the Championships and we are excited to work with them over the next two years,” Ms Gaudry said.