Mackay Open: Multi-Day Cycling Competition Takes Over Region‘s Roads

The Mackay Open showcased some of the regions' best cyclists, with riders battling it out across gruelling conditions to push their time and case for a big championship win.

A group of riders making their way along the Crit of the Mackay Open this past weekend. Picture: Amanda Wright

The Mackay Open once again took over the region‘s roads for a multi-day cycling competition hosted by the Mackay Cycling club.

The event brought together some of the region’s top two-wheeled stars, with hundreds of riders competing across several categories, including senior men’s and women’s and junior men’s and women’s races.

Day one of the Mackay Open saw the Mirani Gargett loop stage, with A and B Grade racing 70km and C and D Grade racing 35km. The best riders on the day etched their names on the podium with impressive performances.

Day two of the event started with the 46 km Wollingford loops handicap race, held in perfect conditions. This race also included the historic Rodgers Family Shield, which has been contested since the 1930s and recognises the legacy of the cycling family of 12 from Cremorne.

Kyle Marwood put in a dominant performance, claiming a convincing breakaway victory to take first place and the title of the fastest cyclist.

Tenille Galea was the first female rider to cross the line and showed her impressive strength, finishing 5th overall in the handicap and outsprinting the majority of a large group contesting third.

Cooper Sayers also put in an impressive performance, breaking away from A Grade to finish second overall. Wade Mitchell crossed the line in third, outsprinting the bunch, closely followed by Hamish Wright in fourth and Tenille in fifth.

A group of riders making their way along the Crit of the Mackay Open this past weekend. Picture: Amanda Wright

The Mackay Open once again demonstrated the region‘s passion for cycling and the strong cycling community in the area. The competition showcased some of the region’s best riders, with impressive performances across all categories.