Mike O'Connor
In our first two Bowral Classic ambassador features, we heard from riders who have made the event a regular fixture on their cycling calendars.
For our third and final instalment, Åsa Burkett and Gareth Downey share their favourite parts of the event, how they prepare and why they keep coming back.
Åsa Burkett
Describe the Bowral Classic in three words.
Scenic, challenging, fun.
Your Classics tally?
Six. I’ve registered for all of them to date, but had to pull out three times due to work travel, injury and sickness. I also did the 90km loop during the COVID lockdown unassisted, and rode the 90km again in 2024.
What keeps you coming back?
I just love the atmosphere, and Bowral itself.
What’s your favourite climb, descent or stretch of road on the course?
I love the bit just before Fitzroy Falls, where the landscape just opens up with views forever!
Tell us… what’s your go-to training session in the lead-up to Bowral Classic? Hill repeats… love them or hate them? 😅
Yes, hill reps. Hills of 18 per cent-plus to be prepared for “The Wall” in Kangaloon.
Finish this sentence: “The Bowral Classic is…”
The highlight of my calendar.
What first got you into cycling?
Initially, I was just sick of commuting by car…
When you’re not on the bike, what would we find you doing?
What?? Off the bike?? What is that? Oh, hanging out with my cycling mates, of course!
And back to Bowral… as we celebrate 10 years of The Classics, what are you most looking forward to this October?
To be back in the ‘hood!
Lastly, if you could give first-time Bowral riders one piece of advice, what would it be?
Ensure you do some longer-than-your-chosen-distance rides, with some gnarly hills before the event!
Gareth Downey
Describe the Bowral Classic in three words.
Challenging, beautiful, fun.
Your Classics tally? What keeps you coming back?
Every year since the first! It’s a great weekend with friends and a fantastic parcours.
What’s your favourite climb, descent or stretch of road on the course?
That’s a tough one. It’s all great, but the final descent and run into Bowral is always fun.
Tell us… what’s your go-to training session in the lead-up to Bowral Classic? Hill repeats… love them or hate them? 😅
I don’t do anything particular for Bowral. Canberra has plenty of hills to keep you honest.
Finish this sentence: “The Bowral Classic is…”
The best day out.
What first got you into cycling?
Watching the Tour de France as a kid in the ’80s. I wanted to be Djamolidine Abdoujaparov, the Tashkent Terror.
When you’re not on the bike, what would we find you doing?
Rock climbing, eating great food, and working!
And back to Bowral… as we celebrate 10 years of The Classics, what are you most looking forward to this October?
Seeing friends, enjoying the atmosphere and having a beer at the finish.
Lastly, if you could give first-time Bowral riders one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t go too hard too early! There’s a sting in the tail!
Fancy joining them? The 2026 Bowral Classic is open for entries now.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
