26th May 1997

Australian International Pedal Prix moves to Murray Bridge

For eleven years there has been an annual pedal prix competition in Adelaide. From less than a dozen vehicles in a car park in 1985 to one hundred and twelve teams entered in 1996, the Australian National Pedal Prix has only become larger and better. Over eleven years three different venues have been used. After the first event in a car park it moved to the Road Safety Centre on Oaklands Road, Marion. This was an excellent venue as it tested vehicles and riders on a challenging circuit. It was also a picturesque venue with lawns and trees and the event used to have a picnic type atmosphere. The event became too big for this venue and the move to Adelaide International Raceway allowed the event to grow. Being purpose built this venue proved more than adequate with most facilities and infrastructure being on site. The track is flat and not very challenging once riders become familiar with the circuit. This venue is also very open with little shelter and at times has been dusty and windswept and lacking in atmosphere. This has been particularly so in the past few years whilst rebuilding work has been proceeding.

For the past several years the committee has been investigating alternative sites. These have included Mallala, part of the Grand Prix Circuit, Adelaide City Parklands and Murray Bridge.

Negotiations with The Rural City of Murray Bridge have proceeded for some time and are now to the point where the committee has decided to move the event to Sturt Reserve at Murray Bridge. This is possible due to the encouragement and support promised and the committee is now working with the council to make it happen in 1997.

The street circuit is being created by closing a few local streets to make a track approximately 1.7 km long. Being a street circuit there is a variation in road surface and a track that will present a greater challenge to vehicle designers, constructors and riders. Inspection of the track reveals that the site is more picturesque, has lawn areas inside the track for competitor camping and lots of shady trees. Pit straight over looks the River Murray to add to the appeal of the venue. Most of the infrastructure is on site, close at hand or easily brought to the site. The keenness of the council to assist the committee to stage the event at Murray Bridge has encouraged them to make the move. It is sure that competitors will welcome the change, the new challenge and give their support to the change.

1997 will be different and hopefully the start of many more successful Australian National Pedal Prix’s at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge, SA.

To find out more about the track, take a look at the interactive tour and maps

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