Perth will be lit up with lycra this April for Perth's Festival of Cycling. A highlight of the festival will be the UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT) Perth 2013 - a UCI Masters Qualifying Event, held from 12th to 14th April.

UWCT Perth has established a reputation as a leading UCI-sanctioned qualifying event for amateurs and masters on the global cycling stage. Evidence of this is indicative in the amount of cyclists competing in the road race and time trial in 2013 - almost double last year's registrations for the time trial have been received already.

The event comprises of two stages:

  • Day 1 - Friday 12 April: 20km individual time trial around Rottnest Island
  • Day 2 - Sunday 14 April: 112km road race around Perry Lakes and Bold Park

Competitors have the opportunity to race in the time trial or road race, or both.

CIC Events Managing Director, Craig Smith-Gander explains that the time trial on Rottnest Island is a unique opportunity for competitors. "The circuit around Rottnest is an idyllic course usually reserved for holiday makers. We have gained special permits for the event to allow cyclists to race on this spectacular course which offers flat straights, challenging hills, stunning views and potentially strong winds," said Smith-Gander.

The road race event also offers unique spectator opportunities to watch cyclists compete in the multi-lap course around Perry Lakes. Prime spectator locations include the start/finish precinct on Perry Lakes Drive and the hill climb on Oceanic Drive.

Commentators for the event are Kate Bates from SBS, and Rik Fulcher, Australia's number one on course cycling commentator.

This major cycling event is supported by Eventscorp, Cycling WA, Healthway, Bikeforce, Rottnest Express, Hertz, Programmed, Rottnest Lodge, GCS, Wills Insurance, Healthwise Active Travel and Goodearth Hotel.

April 2013 will be a festival of cycling in Perth, with the Woodside Tour de Perth; UWCT Perth - a UCI Masters Qualifying Event; and the Cycling Australia National Track Masters Championships.

Local elite cyclist Luke Durbridge is the ambassador for Perth's Festival of Cycling.

For more information, visit www.uwctperth.com.au.

Cycling Australia