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Sport

24 September, 2021

Cairns Cup on Wheels powered this year by Skoda

IN THE late 1890s the company that would eventually become the Skoda Automobile Company had a history manufacturing bicycles in Czechoslovakia. It seems to be the perfect fit for Cairns Cars, the north’s Skoda Dealership to team with Cairns Cycling Club to sponsor this year’s Cairns Cup on Wheels.

By Peter McCullagh

Cairns Cup on Wheels powered this year by Skoda - feature photo

Skoda is already a strong supporter of major cycling events such as the Tour de France and Australia’s Tour Down Under, the 2021 sponsorship of the prestigious Cairns Cup on Wheels will breathe new life into this mainstay event on the cycling calendar.

Speaking at the launch event this week Cairns Cars principal, Alan Renn said “Skoda has a long and proud history of supporting cycling and we are proud to be associated with FNQ’s premier track cycling event.  As the first title sponsor of the Skoda Cairns Cup on Wheels we see this as a great way to develop the sport in the region.”

 With over $4000 to be offered in prizemoney, the Cup on Wheels will attract top riders from Cairns and further afield.  Traditionally the event forms part of a series with the Mackay and Townsville clubs also hosting their own cups on wheels. In past years these two clubs have had strong representation in Cairns and 2021 should see this continue.

With more than 50 races over the 3 days of competition there will be plenty to keep the spectators entertained.  Events including Keirin races, team sprints and points races promise an entertaining mix.  The headline events will be the Cup on Wheels handicap races which will see riders competing over 4 laps of the 400m Smith Park track.

The junior riders will also have a complete program of races with riders as young as 7 competing in a safe and fun environment.

 Club President James Mort said “Cycling is a sport suited for people of all ages.  We are very fortunate to have Skoda on board for the first time as sponsor.  We look forward to a successful event and many more years of involvement by their FNQ dealer, Cairns Cars.”

 This will be the first year the annual event is held at the newly rebuilt clubrooms in the Cairns suburb of Manunda.  The clubroom was rebuilt in 2020 and features dedicated function areas, bicycle storage and a canteen which will be serving food and refreshments during the event.

 Spectators should aim to be at the Smith Park velodrome by 6pm on Friday and Saturday nights to find a good vantage point to enjoy the racing.

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