July 23rd, 2022Bike push for games

Hepburn Shire Council is working with the City of Ballarat for a mountain biking program to be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and for competition to be held at the Creswick Trails.
With the announcement that the games will be held from March 17 to 29, 2026, both councils are calling for mountain biking to be included in the Victoria 2026 program and for the program to be conducted at the Creswick Trails. Mountain biking has been held at a number of Commonwealth and Olympic games recently, and will be held at the upcoming Birmingham 2022 games.
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Tim Drylie said it was 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,” Cr Drylie said.
“The Creswick Trails will also be supported by the Hammon Park trailhead, which is currently under construction and suitable for a race start and finish area. Earthworks are under way on the path network, learn to ride track, playspace and barbeque area.
“The opportunities and benefits the 2026 Commonwealth Games will hold for regional Victoria are significant.”
Cr Drylie said Creswick’s proximity to the Ballarat Commonwealth Games regional hub, and especially the athletics villages, made it an attractive option for any potential mountain biking events.
Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the inclusion of a mountain biking program 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.