Organisers of the 2022 Bowral Classic have hailed this year's cycling event as the most successful to date.
Held across the Southern Highlands over the 15 and 16 October the two-day cycling extravaganza attracted 3,000 cyclists and 4,000 visitors to the Shire over the participating weekend.
Event Organiser James Yaffa said the 2022 event exceeded all expectations.
"We had a record number of participating riders and supporting visitors attend this year," he said. "We expect once final figures are tallied the event will also have injected around $800,000 into the Highlands economy."
Mr Yaffa also praised supporters who helped stage this year's event.
"The Southern Highlands community welcomed the event with open arms and we thank them enormously," he said. "We had dozens of community groups and hundreds of volunteers help direct and support riders, provide refreshments and assist with marshalling."
Participating community groups included the Bowral – Mittagong Rotary, Moss Vale Men's Shed, Bundanoon P&C, Bowral Country Women's Association, Moss Vale Lions, Mittagong Girl Guides, Bowral Tennis Club, Oxley College and OzHarvest Southern Highlands.
"I'd also like to thank Council for preparing the Event Village at Loseby Park, repairing the potholes and making the course safe," Mr Yaffa added. "These efforts cannot be understated given the amount of wet weather the region experienced in the lead up to the event."
Wingecarribee Shire Council General Manager Lisa Miscamble said the Bowral Classic showcased the very best of the Southern Highlands.
"The different courses took advantage of our Shire's various sub-regions and provided a platform for our towns and villages to display their respective produce and services," she said.
"It's little wonder that 97 per cent of attendees said they were keen to return to the Southern Highlands in the next twelve months to explore more of what our region has to offer."
Ms Miscamble concluded by thanking participating businesses, motorists and residents.
"We understand that large-scale events such as this can cause temporary delays and disruptions to peoples regular schedules," she said. "We thank residents for their patience and understanding."
"We also thank everyone for getting behind this wonderful event and helping shine a national spotlight on our beautiful Shire."
Next year's Bowral Classic is scheduled to be staged over the weekend of 21 and 22 October 2023.
To learn more about upcoming Council led or supported events, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Events or join our e-newsletter community.
