Queensland Summer of Cycling

The four-day Queensland Summer of Cycling carnival starts today at the Chandler Velodrome with 550 riders scheduled to contend for a slice of $10,000 prize pool. Racing takes place Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with a rest day Thursday and starts this evening with masters and elite races.

With state teams to be announced early in the new year, organisers are expecting sizzling performances from athletes looking to stake their claim on a position in their state's team.

CEO of Cycling Queensland Wendy Sanders said she hoped the prospect of intense competition would help attract large crowds to the evening competition.

"We've seen a big increase in the number of people attending cycling events and it's great to be able to reward this support with such an exciting standard of competition," she said.

Mrs Sanders' tips for cyclists to look out for included Olympic gold medallist Kial Stewart OAM, Junior World Champion Chloe MacPherson and New Zealand born Jaaron Poad, who will take the track as a Queenslander for the first time.

The races will begin at 6pm each night with tickets on sale at the gates. Cost: $6 for adults, $4 for pensioners, $2 children, with a family ticket costing $12. For more information see www.qld.cycling.org.au or call Cycling Queensland on (07) 3390 1477.