The world’s oldest rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and the accessible outback of Tropical North Queensland are the backdrop for a record 11 cycling and mountain biking events in 2022.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said seven dedicated cycling and mountain biking events as well as four multisport events would be held between April and November.
“Tropical North Queensland’s reputation for world-class sporting events started with IRONMAN more than a decade ago and has grown with an emphasis on cycling thanks to our spectacular roads and mountain biking tracks,” he said.
“The Great Barrier Reef Drive hugging the coastline and fringed by the world’s oldest rainforest is a favourite with motorists and coveted by cyclists as one of the most spectacular courses in the world.
“Mountain biking gained international recognition with four international championships held at the iconic Smithfield Mountain Bike Park where riders can tackle downhill and cross country runs through stunning rainforest.
“Add to that the long sandy beaches at Port Douglas and Mission Beach, the scenic outback roads of the Savannah Way, and thrill of riding to historic Cooktown and you have a ride to suit all cycling enthusiasts.”
2022 Cycling Events
April
30 – 1 May Yungaburra Triathlon – Junior, enticer, sprint and standard races are part of this annual event on the foreshore of Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands.
June
12 IRONMAN Cairns Asia-Pacific Championship – Cairns earned the title of the World’s Best Ironman for its spectacular course between two World Heritage areas.
25 – 1 July Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride – Road and mountain bikes join in the longest event ride in Australia taking you from the rainforest of Cairns to Karumba, the outback town by the sea.
July
8-10 Tour of the Tropics – Part of the National Road Series, the course takes riders south of Cairns through lush canefields for a scratch race followed by a criterium along the Cairns Esplanade.
August
18-21 Reef to Reef – This four-day mountain biking stage race takes riders from Port Douglas to the hinterland riding through the world’s oldest rainforest and tackling iconic mountain biking parks.
26-28 Red Bull Defiance – This multi-sport event at Mission Beach includes a mountain biking leg through the world’s oldest rainforest on the Cassowary Coast, south of Cairns.
September
9-11 Port Douglas Gran Fondo – The iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive between two World Heritage areas will open exclusively to cyclists in the 136km and 100km Gran Fondo rides and the 48km Medio Fondo ride.
17-19 QSuper Cardiac Challenge – Ride from Cairns through the world’s oldest rainforest and outback savannah landscapes to historic Cooktown on Cape York Peninsula.
18 Ona Mission Multisport Adventure – Short and long course options take in Mission Beach and Dunk Island with mountain biking part of the challenge.
23-25 AusCycling BMX State Championships Queensland – Cairns BMX will host the Queensland titles with Elite, Masters and Juniors categories.
November
4-12 Croc Trophy – The longest running mountain biking event in Australia is a stage race through the world’s oldest rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands and Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas.