Nicola Rutzou
This year’s Mudgee Classic hosted record numbers of cyclists who enjoyed the Dirty Mudgee gravel ride and Gran Fondo in perfect sunshine.
Saturday’s 55km Dirty Mudgee gravel ride saw nearly 500 people enjoy the smooth gravel roads surrounding the central west town on gravel, mountain and even a recumbent bike. Riders were full of praise for the conditions, particularly those who participated in the two previous editions in the rain.
Riders headed out on a crisp Sunday morning to complete one of four courses ranging from 35km to 170km. All courses are set against Mudgee’s rolling countryside, plentiful vineyards and quaint towns.
Rider Leo Sommer, who completed the 170km course on a recumbent bike, said, “The ride was so well organised, I felt very supported even though I was suffering from about 100km onwards. All the staff and volunteers were so friendly and kept me going. I’ll be back next year to do the Dirty Mudgee and Gran Fondo double.”
Beyond the rides, participants and their travel companions enjoyed outstanding hospitality from local cafes, restaurants, breweries, pubs, wineries and more.
Event organisers reported an incident-free weekend thanks to the support of a great team, including the new traffic management company, Lack Group.
The hub of the weekend was the Event Village at the Glen Willow Sports Complex, which was open on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors enjoyed live music, food, and beer and interacted with the event sponsors, including Schwalbe, Orbea, Three Tails Brewery, Bowy, Fast Legs, Rudy Project, Wollar Solar, Garling & Co, G Techniq, and GU.
Mudgee Classic organisers thank Mid-Western Regional Council, Mudgee Region Tourism, Department of Transport and Main Roads, and NSW Police for their ongoing support and assistance.
The Mudgee Classic is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, its tourism and major events agency.
About The Classics
The Mudgee Classic is part of The Classics series by Bicycling Australia. Bicycling Australia is the nation’s most established and highly respected cycling media platform, in print and online for over 30 years and 253 issues. Over the last nine years, The Classics have proudly hosted Gran Fondo Cycling events in three states and continue to deliver the Bowral Classic and Mudgee Classic events.
