24 March 2006
Huge crowds are expected to line the course of the Cycling Road Race this Sunday to enjoy the last day of the Games, and cheer on the Aussie teams to gold.
The free road events of the Games have been popular with spectators. With fine weather predicted over the weekend, it’s anticipated the Road Race will attract just as large an audience, with many staying on to join in Closing Ceremony celebrations at Live Sites around the City.
Stretching in and around Melbourne’s famed Royal Botanic Gardens, along the edge of the Yarra River and through the steep surrounds of Punt Road Hill, the Cycling Road Race course will be a formidable test of endurance and skill against a backdrop of some of the most outstanding features the city has to offer.
Athletes will familiarise themselves with the course on Saturday in preparation for the race on Sunday.
The six-woman Australian team consists of world number one and time-trial gold medallist Oenone Wood and time-trial bronze medallist Sara Carrigan.
New Zealand legend and Olympic Gold medallist Sarah Ulmer is also expected to front at the start line following her last minute withdrawal from the Time Trial on Tuesday.
Australian team member Nathan O’Neill is expected to be a crowd favourite in the afternoon men’s event following his Gold medal win in Tuesday’s Time Trial.
EVENT DETAILS
Sunday, 26 March
Women’s event (9 laps): 9am – 12.15pm
Men’s event (15 laps): 1pm – 6pm
WHERE TO SEE THE ACTION
• Great vantage points at the start and finish line at the Shrine and along the course at Queen Victoria Gardens, Alexandra Gardens and Alexandra Avenue.
• Whatever vantage point you choose, remember to stay inside spectator safety areas.
• Alexandra Gardens provides accessible viewing areas.
JOIN IN THE FUN AT LIVE SITES
• Watch all the action on a giant screens located at Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne Museum, Queensbridge Square, Federation Square, Sidney Myer Music Bowl and at Waterfront City, Docklands.
• Stay and watch the closing ceremony which will be broadcast live.
GETTING THERE
Tips for spectators
• There is no public parking available at this event and there will be a number of road closures and other traffic changes, so we strongly recommend spectators take public transport to this event.
• Leave early as public transport will be busier than usual.
• The Royal Botanic Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance and the Tan Track are easily accessible from trams along St Kilda Road.
• It’s a pleasant short walk from Flinders Street Station to the Shrine for the start and finish of the Cycling Road Race.
• Spectators travelling to the event by public transport, and not attending a ticketed Games event on the day, will need to buy a Metcard.
KEY TIPS FOR COMMUTERS
• A big weekend of road closures, alterations to local traffic and parking conditions will be put into place for this event, which means more hotspots and heavy congestion on our roads in the inner city.
• Local residents are reminded that tow-away zones will be in place and to ensure vehicles are not left in restricted areas.
• Closures on Punt Road, Swan Street Bridge, City Road and Alexandra Avenue on Saturday and Sunday for the Cycling Road Race. A real challenge to get around town by car this weekend.
• If you don’t need to drive in this area – take an alternative route.
• Melburnians are urged to continue to plan their travel, avoid Games areas, and travel outside peak times to help ensure safe traffic flow and reduced congestion.
• Avoid driving near the Botanical Gardens, Punt Road, Alexandra Avenue, Swan Street Bridge and Domain Road – traffic congestion expected due to road closures for the event and drivers returning to Melbourne from school holidays.
• Listen to the radio for daily traffic updates.
• Look out for signage during your journey that will advise of traffic conditions en-route.
• All sections of CityLink will be toll free – 4:00am to midnight.
See attached map for spectator and race course details.
For further information please contact:
Games Communications Centre
+61 3 8855 3333
GCC@melbourne2006.com.au