Hepburn Shire Council, Media Release, 8 July 2022
Hepburn Shire Council is working in partnership with the City of Ballarat on advocating for a mountain biking program to be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and for competition to be held at the Creswick Trails.
With this week’s State Government announcement that the games will be held between the 17-29 March 2026 both Councils are calling for both Mountain Biking to be included in the Victoria 2026 program, the Commonwealth’s first Regional Games and for the Mountain Biking program to be conducted at the Creswick Trails.
Mountain Biking has been held at a number of Commonwealth and Olympic games recently, including at the upcoming Birmingham 2022 games.
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie, said this is an exciting opportunity to include mountain biking in the 2026 games and to showcase what will be the world class Creswick Trails.
“The Creswick Trails is a strongly supported project that is expected to be completed in 2024 and will include the construction of a 60-kilometre mountain bike trail,” said Cr Drylie.
“The Creswick Trails will also be supported by the Hammon Park trailhead, which is currently under construction and suitable for race start and finish area. Earthworks are underway on the path network, learn to ride track, playspace and BBQ area.”
“The opportunities and benefits the 2026 Commonwealth Games will hold for Regional Victoria are significant and we congratulate the State Government and other partners on choosing to bring the games to the regions.”
“Creswick’s proximity to the Ballarat Commonwealth Games regional hub, and especially the Athletics villages makes it an attractive option for any potential mountain biking events.
The State Government have been a key partner in the Creswick Trails and Hammon Park Trailhead projects and have provided significant funding to the planning and construction,” said Cr Drylie.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney, said the inclusion of a Mountain Biking program in the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games would be a great addition to the program and ensure the games appeal to a broader audience.
“Having the event staged in Creswick would provide a significant economic boost to the region, reduce cost of staging the event and provide an incredible athlete experience in the Ballarat Athletes Village,” he said.
“We wholeheartedly support the Hepburn Shire’s push for Mountain Biking as it strategically fits with both Councils cycling event program and would leave an important cycling legacy for the region”.
