Landsborough’s iconic Big Kart Track is set to be overtaken by cyclists with the announcement of a brand new criterium series – The Fast Track Criterium Sprint Series – with competitors vying for up to $5,000 prize money.
An initiative of the Sunshine Coast based Australian Cycling Academy, the innovative criterium series is expected to be a major hit with the cycling community with divisions for juniors, masters and the elite A Grade division which will attract leading male and female cyclists from across Australia. With the support of Ironman, the first two events have been strategically placed on the eve of two of the region’s major cycling related events; Velothon Sunshine Coast and the Noosa Tri Weekend.
Australian Cycling Academy Managing director Ben Kersten said he was delighted to be able to undertake the inaugural criterium at the Big Kart Track.
“Everyone knows about the Big Kart Track, it’s the largest kart track in Australia and over the past thirty years the owners have created a brilliant track which has specifically been designed for high speed karts.
“We had this idea that it could be great for cycling also and we were excited that the Big Kart Track were so supportive of the concept. I rode the track recently and it was an exciting experience; it is seriously one of the best criterium circuits I have ridden across the world. The prize money on offer is at the higher end of events and we expect that it will attract some really exciting riders including our own Pro Racing Sunshine Coast riders. Prize money is on offer for the Masters division while the Men’s and Women’s divisions will have parity in prize money.
“We have designed this event to be all about the experience for riders and spectators. The great thing about this event is that whole race can be viewed from the decks overlooking the circuit. It’s going to great under lights, with live DJ, bars and food options. It’s an event for the whole family and the kids will be able to ride the supervised junior track and best of all it’s free for spectators to come and enjoy all the action,” Ben said.
The Fast Track Criterium Sprint Series is being delivered with the support of the McKean Group, Metsure Insurance Brokers, Sunshine Coast Cycling Club and Cycling Queensland.
The first event will be held on Thursday night July 18 with second series event on Thursday night October 31. Entries are now open for both events with early bird entry prices available until June 30.
Register here.
