Local cyclists in a spin over new racing track

Sunshine Coast Council is about to unveil the Coast’s first dedicated cycling race track – known as a criterium track – in a move that already has local cyclists leaping for joy.

The final landscaping touches are being put to the track at Skippy Park, in Landsborough, where council is constructing a major new recreational park for the region.

The criterium track was fully funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government as part of its National Bike Path funding program.

The project has delivered the Sunshine Coast region its first cycling track capable of holding racing events and training days for cycle clubs, as well as a new exercise and dog walking area for local residents.

The Sunshine Coast Cycling Club's Junior Development Officer Merv McDonald said his first impressions of the new track were very good.

"At first glance, the Skippy Park track looks like a great facility," he said.

"Previously we've had to make do with vacant industrial estates for our 150 or so members. The industrial estates don't stay vacant for long, so now we have a dedicated facility which has toilets, showers, storage shed and car parking.

"The track itself looks like a fast and challenging circuit with a variety of corners and good straights. We expect some very good racing to take place at Skippy."

Division One Councillor Anna Grosskreutz said she was thrilled with how this project was taking shape.

"The Glasshouse Country area has the space to provide quality open space facilities for the whole Sunshine Coast community," she said.

"The construction phase of Skippy Park supports the local economy, and now that the facility is open, this track will provide a destination for dedicated cyclists.

"Also, when it isn't being used by the cycling clubs, it's able to be used by the local community for dog walking and general exercise. It's a great outcome for everyone."