Bay Crits cancelled due to rising costs

An iconic Victorian sporting event has reached the finish line for the final time with organisers forced to discontinue the race due to rising factors. Here is more on the decision.

One of Geelong’s most iconic cycling events has reached the finish line for the last time.

Organisers of the Bay Crits, otherwise known as the Bay Cycling Classic, confirmed on Thursday morning that the “much-loved” event would not be continuing in 2024.

In a joint statement, event organisers John Trevorrow and Karin Jones said the rising costs of organising the event had proven to be too great.

“It is with a heavy heart we are announcing the famous ‘Bay Crits’ have taken their last pedal stroke, with event organisers making the tough call that the much-loved event will not be continuing into 2024,” the statement said.

“But the financial and logistics issues we have absorbed now over an extended period of time have become simply too prohibitive to continue, with a significant increase in costs again this year.

“The packed January cycling calendar has also impacted on the event with it regularly having to start on New Year’s Day.

“This has made it challenging for many riders and fans, especially those coming from interstate, to participate.

“These factors have increased to such an extent that it is completely uneconomic and unrealistic to get to the start line next year.”

The Bay Crits has been cancelled for 2024.

The Bay Crits were first held in 1989 and have attracted some of the world’s best riders with Brenton Jones enjoying a fairytale finish to his professional cycling career earlier this year when he way a second title at the event.

Jones first won the event in 2014.

“For the best part of 30 years, and despite some very trying times, we have collectively found a way to make this wonderful event happen, an event cherished by riders, fans, and stakeholders alike and one that has enjoyed a significant place in the Australian cycling calendar,” organisers said in their statement.

“We are incredibly proud to have hosted Olympians, World Champions, Grand Tour stage winners, national heroes, and international stars – creating a springboard for homegrown talent and a wonderful local showcase for global superstars right around the Bay.

“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our wonderful journey.”

Speaking further on Thursday afternoon, Jones said there was the potential for the even to return in some form in future.

But any decision on that would be a while away.

“It’s really only setting in now, even after weeks of discussion I never thought it would be a reality,” she said.

“For now, we need to regroup before anything is decided. This is John’s baby and he deserves all the recognition for how it has suceeded over time.

“We’re certainly going to look into what we’re able to do but we’ll take our time. We’ll work with the City of Greater Geelong and AusCycling to see what’s possible.

“The start of January is very difficult now. It’s a hard time for people to travel from interstate. Whether we move it to later in the year is a question that’s been asked.

“It’s a wait and see for now.”

Originally published as Bay Crits cancelled due to rising costs