Nat Bromhead
Melbourne’s annual Bay Crits have been a festive season and ‘Summer of Cycling’ staple for decades, but sadly the event has come to an end.
Organisers announced on Thursday morning that the 2022 Bay Crits was the final hit out, with John Trevorrow and Karin Jones releasing the following statement.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
As a group we would like to express our enormous thanks to everyone who has contributed to the event, including our most recent sponsors Citroën, Visit Victoria, City of Greater Geelong, Spirit of Tasmania, Mitchelton, The Damion Drapac Foundation, Santini, and Novotel Geelong.
Since the ‘Bay Crits’ inception in 1989 we have enjoyed the support of many sponsors, suppliers and contractors, as well as generous media coverage from national television networks to local newspapers, specifically SBS, the Geelong Advertiser and the Herald Sun.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our wonderful journey.
It’s been quite a ride, but all good things must come to an end, and today it is the famous ‘Bay Crits’ that have crossed the line for the final time.’
