Excitement Building for Return of Port to Port

10 April 2022

Mountain bike riders from across New South Wales and around Australia will be making their way to Newcastle and the Hunter region for the return of Port to Port next month.

The four-day mountain bike stage race is returning to the calendar for the first time since 2019, with this year’s event to be held between 19 and 22 May.

Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, organisers of Port to Port, said that the team was excited to be welcoming riders back to the event.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring Port to Port back to the region for the first time 2019 and can’t wait to see riders on the start line at Roche Estate on 19 May,” said Meyer. “Since the event was first run in 2014 it has become a firm favourite for riders both local and further abroad and it’s great to see it back after a three-year hiatus.

“Port to Port combines incredible riding with a great social element, with every day of the event providing a chance for riders to relax at the end of the stage and enjoy the company of those joining them on the trails,” he said. “With a little over a month until the 2022 event there’s still plenty of time for riders to get involved and be on the start line in the Hunter Valley.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser is thrilled to welcome Port to Port to Lake Macquarie this year.

“It’s a fantastic event promoting healthy lifestyles, fun, fitness and social interaction,” Cr Fraser said. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to showcase our city. From Holmesville to Awaba, and from Belmont to Whitebridge, the stages in this year’s Port to Port will both challenge riders, and show off our amazing and diverse natural scenery.”

Newcastle Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz welcomed the return of the final stage of the four-day Port to Port to Newcastle, which will generate a much-need economic boost for the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

"City of Newcastle is proud to support and co-host such a great mountain bike event right here in Newcastle, which culminates at the finish line set against some of our city's most spectacular coastal scenery at Dixon Park," Cr Winney-Baartz said. "Newcastle is a proud sporting city, so it's fantastic to attract an event of this calibre to town and I can't wait to welcome the athletes and competitors in May."

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government is proud to support Port to Port and reaffirm the State’s position as the adventure capital of Australia.

“I’m delighted to see Port to Port return to the NSW events calendar, with racing to suit all abilities in the picturesque surroundings of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley,” Mr Ayres said. “This exciting event that will attract thousands of participants, officials and spectators to the region’s hotels and attractions and give a welcome boost to the visitor economy.”

The action kicks off on Thursday 19 May, with the opening stage to be held in the Hunter Valley. Day one starts and ends at Roche Estate, providing the perfect backdrop to begin the event.

Friday’s stage two will see riders head to the famous trails of Killingworth, with the third day of racing moving to Awaba Mountain Bike Park for some of the best riding in the region.

The fourth and final day of action sees the event move to Newcastle, kicking off on Barton Field, with riders making their way across stunning trails before hitting the finish line in Dixon Park.

Port to Port provides a number of ways for riders to be involved, with both four and two-day entry options. Two-day riders can take part in any two days of the event, allowing them to pick their favourite stages.

A highlight of Port to Port is pairs racing, where teams of two take on the event together, with there also the option of entering the event as a solo rider.

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