Southern Gold Coast to Provide Stunning Backdrop for GC2018 Road Races

The street routes for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) road cycling and race walk events are set to showcase the southern Gold Coast to a global audience like never before.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman, Peter Beattie AC today announced the iconic Currumbin beach front would be the start and finish line for the cycling road race, cycling time trial and race walk.

Mr Beattie said a rigorous technical process had been undertaken to design the courses which will showcase the best of the Gold Coast’s coastline, creek and hinterland to a global television audience of 1.5 billion.

GOLDOC, the City of Gold Coast and other key Games partners will be engaging with southern Gold Coast residents and businesses over the next 14 months to ensure they have all the information required to plan for this world class event.

Gold Coaster and Olympic Cyclist Sara Carrigan OAM played a key role in the design of the road cycling routes.

The cycling road race course will take competitors on a challenging journey through Currumbin, Currumbin Waters and Elanora on Saturday 14 April, 2018.

The course for the cycling time trial, to be held on Tuesday 10 April, is a longer route which also runs through Tallebudgera and Currumbin Valley.

The course for the 20km race walk, which will take place on Sunday 8 April is a 1km loop along the Currumbin Beachfront with stunning scenery for both athletes and spectators.

And they’ll give everyone the chance to Share the Dream of GC2018 by lining the streets and catching the exciting action of a world-class international event without spending a cent.

Peter Beattie AC – Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman

"These courses have been designed to celebrate Queensland’s keen love of outdoor sport.

"We wanted the reassurance that these courses are absolutely world-class and a considerable amount of work has gone into the design process.

"Importantly, today’s announcement provides local businesses, residents and visitors with 14 months to plan for these free public events.

"Many lucky residents will have a front row seat to these free events and we are working to minimise inconvenience for both residents, businesses and visitors during the lead-up to and during the three competition days."

Stirling Hinchliffe - Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games

"The three events will be absolutely free for GC2018 spectators and showcase the best of the Gold Coast’s surf, creek and hinterland areas to an international audience of 1.5 billion people.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity for everybody to Share the Dream of GC2018 while drawing the eyes of the world to the unique Gold Coast lifestyle as part of the Games legacy."

Tom Tate - City of Gold Coast Mayor

"This is a great outcome for the southern Gold Coast. Residents and businesses wanted to see a GC2018 event this end of the Gold Coast, and the Games partners agree.

"With the cycling courses extending from the coastline to the tropical rainforest surrounds of Currumbin Valley, the world will get a startling picture of the beauty and diversity of this amazing city we call home.

"These events, which are free to watch, will allow the athletes to shine on world-class courses in an environment like no other."

Sara Carrigan OAM - Gold Coaster and Olympic Cyclist

"It has been an honour to be involved in the design of the cycling courses in my own backyard.

"This really is a unique opportunity and I’m urging the Gold Coast to get behind this once in a lifetime event.

"These courses are going to be absolutely spectacular and Currumbin locals will be the lucky ones who will have the rare opportunity to watch one of the most exciting sport events from the comfort of their front yards."

Mark Peters – Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) CEO

"These gold medal races are a big part of the largest program ever in Commonwealth Games history with 18 sports and seven para-sports.

"The pictures that are going to be beamed to a cumulative television audience of 1.5 billion people are going to be stunning.

"On top of the global television audience, they offer an exceptional opportunity for spectators to get up close to the athletes and showcase the Gold Coast and Queensland to the world through social media."

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held from 4-15 April 2018.

For more information on GC2018 road cycling and race walk events, visit gc2018.com/roadcourse.

For more information, please contact:

Adam Gardini - +61 402 487 575

Communication and Media Lead

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

Wayne Hickson - +61 407 028 917

Program Manager, Media and Communications

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only