Published on 31 August 2022
Following the finalisation of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the excitement generated, Hepburn Shire Council has released a video showcasing Creswick and the Creswick Trails as the ideal location for the Commonwealth Games 2026 mountain biking competition.
Council is working in partnership with the City of Ballarat on advocating for a mountain biking program to be included in the next Commonwealth Games and for the competition to be held at the Creswick Trails.
Creswick Trails is located less than 16 kilometres (12 minutes) from Mars Stadium in Ballarat, which will be the home of athletics for the games. The trails are likely to be the closest to any of the athletes’ villages across the state.
Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie, said that if mountain biking is to be included in the program in 2026, it makes sense to locate competition in Creswick.
“We’ll be ready, with the Creswick Trails set for completion in 2024,” said Cr Drylie.
“This world-class 60-kilometre mountain bike trail will also be supported by the Hammon Park trailhead, which is currently under construction. The accessible trailhead is designed for events and gatherings, and would be an ideal site for the Commonwealth Games events.
“The proximity of Creswick to Geelong, Melbourne and the Commonwealth Games regional hub in Ballarat, is even more reason why mountain biking competition should be held in Creswick.”
“The opportunities and benefits the 2026 Commonwealth Games will hold for Regional Victoria are significant. The January 2022 floods in Creswick have impacted the community and businesses. Bringing the games to Creswick would stimulate the local economy and allow athletes and event visitors to explore our iconic and historic region.”
“The State Government have been a key partner in the Creswick Trails and Hammon Park Trailhead projects and have provided significant funding for planning and construction,” said Cr Drylie.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney, said Mountain Biking would make a perfect addition to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“Mountain Biking is a thrilling sport for participants and spectators alike and I can think of no better Victorian location than the Creswick Trails,” he said.
“Our vision for 2026 is that the legacy of these events will inspire generations of young athletes that get to see a variety of sports up close across the region.
“The Ballarat Athletes Village just down the road provides the perfect support for the Hepburn Shire to successfully host Mountain Biking.”
Click here to watch the video.