Top team series to race on region's roads

The roads around Elimbah and Wamuran will this month become a race circuit for the leading cyclists in Queensland.

Round One of the Queensland Road Team Series will start north of Caboolture on June 19-20 with more than 500 cyclists expected as well as spectators.

Saturday racing will be based at Elimbah State School for a road race and individual time trial along Williams Rd, Pates Rd, Powell Rd, Scurr Rd, Newlands Rd, and Twin View Rd.

Racing on Sunday will begin in Wamuran and go along W Lindsay Rd, Old N Rd, Campbells Pocket Rd, Top Yard Rd, Tidwell Rd, and Pedwell Rd, Spillane St.

Fast start

There will be men’s women’s and masters’ teams for the start of the four-round series which goes to the Tweed (August 9-11), Warwick (September 28-29) and Murarrie (October 27).

Teams have been entered by clubs on the Sunshine, Gold and Fraser Coasts and Hamilton Wheelers, which holds races at Lakeside Park, Kurwongbah.

Race Director Mike Crawley said competitors and spectators can expect a fast and competitive program in the first touring series to be held in the Moreton Bay Region.

"The conditions for racing are fantastic here in Moreton Bay Region," he says. "This is a challenging course which will test teamwork and strategy, making it a really exciting race for spectators."

Economic boost

Mayor Peter Flannery said the event will bring an estimated $143,000 into the local economy.

Races are expected to cause minor impact to local traffic and minor delays as police and traffic controllers escort the cycling convoy.

Residents are asked to wait on the roadside for the convoy to move past – only a two or three-minute wait is expected - and follow police instructions.

Helpful tips

If you somehow become entangled in a race:

- Switch on vehicle hazard lights and start to slow

- Move to the left-hand side of the road slowly (after checking there are no bikes to your left)

- Wind down the windows and if need be signal with your arm your intention to move to the left side of the road (cyclists cannot always see your lights)

- Stop your vehicle off the road if safe

- Do not proceed again, until the last police vehicle arrives

For more information about the series, visit www.auscycling.org.au/page/queensland-road-team-series/qrts

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