20 Jan 2025

Celebrating The Volunteers Powering The Mudgee Classic

The Mudgee Classic, one of Australia’s premier cycling events, returns on May 3–4, 2025. With five courses across two days, showcasing the best of Mudgee’s road and gravel riding, there is something for every cycling enthusiast. But it’s not just the breathtaking landscapes or the challenging courses that make this event special—it’s the local volunteers who bring it to life.  

This year, the Mudgee Classic anticipates welcoming over 2,000 riders, supported by over 100 volunteers who will provide everything from on course marshalling to well-earned encouragement at every turn.  

“The volunteers are the unsung heroes of the Mudgee Classic,” said Vanessa Burges, Event Director. ‘They give their time, energy, and passion to make the event a success. Their efforts not only support the riders but also help us showcase the incredible community of Mudgee to visitors from across Australia and beyond.”

Numerous community groups from the region are involved in the event, including the Mudgee Bushwalking and Bike Riding Club. Johanna Mitchell from the club will be volunteering once again for the 2025 event. Mitchell explains her involvement, “Myself and Elly Rands work with The Classics team to allocate our club’s volunteers to areas that suit their abilities and give riders the best experience.”

“We all love being a part of The Classics team, even if only for a day. Last year one volunteer dressed rather colourfully to suit the occasion, and I have been known to play some rather loud music. Notably minimal voice for the next few days and a blister or two from ringing the Mudgee Classic cow bells!”

Community groups of 4 or more volunteers receive a donation from event organisers for their support. The Mudgee Evening CWA Branch have been volunteering for the past 3 years by making sandwiches for the Mudgee Classic rest stops. Last year the money donated went towards their Macquarie Homestay Project.

Gulgong Bowling & Sporting Club have been involved with the Mudgee Classic since its inaugural event in 2021. Colleen Ryan, Manager of the club, said “We are a non-profit community club and take advantage as often as possible to promote community events. Our location fortunately offers the perfect access for a rest stop at this large, well-run event. We all enjoy chatting to the participants during their rest period and providing encouragement for the rest of their ride.”

Ryan continued, “We love seeing participants come from far and wide to experience our wonderful part of the world and take home with them an appreciation for our rural surrounds and many tourist attractions.”

How to get involved  
Volunteering for the Mudgee Classic is not only a great way to give back but also a chance to be a part of something bigger. For those interested in joining the volunteer team, the rewards go beyond just a day spent outdoors. Volunteers receive free merchandise, lunch in the Event Village, the satisfaction of helping a key event in the region; and for community groups of 4 or more volunteers, a donation is made.

The Mudgee Classic is proud to work alongside the Mudgee community, and the event wouldn’t be the same without the volunteers who bring it to life. A special thank you goes out to the incredible community groups that help with the event year-on-year: Mudgee Bushwalking and Bike Riding Club, Rotary Club of Mudgee, Mudgee High School, Mudgee Evening CWA, Mudgee Men’s Shed, Mudgee High School, Mudgee Rural Fire Brigade, Cooyal and surrounding area community groups, Gulgong Bowling & Sporting Club, and various local individuals who volunteer their time.

The Mudgee Classic is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Early Bird Registrations Closing Soon
Cyclists looking to take part in this unforgettable experience are reminded that Early Bird registrations close Sunday, 2 February 2025. Riders can enjoy discounted entry and event jersey by signing up before the deadline and securing their place in one of the event’s four scenic road courses (35km, 65km, 125km, or 170km) or the 55km Dirty Mudgee Gravel Ride.  

With its combination of challenging courses, stunning scenery, and a warm community welcome, the Mudgee Classic is an event not to be missed.  

About The Classics

The Mudgee Classic is part of The Classics series by Bicycling Australia. Bicycling Australia is the nation’s most established and highly respected cycling media platform, in print and online for 30-years and over 300 issues. Over the last eight years, The Classics have proudly hosted Gran Fondo cycling events in three states and continue to deliver The Classics series: the Bowral Classic, Mudgee Classic, and Snowy Classic - making it the number one provider of Gran Fondo cycling events in Australia.

Websites: 
www.cyclingclassics.com.au & www.mudgeeclassic.com.au 

For further details, contact -

Jasmine Sutherland, Marketing Manager
jasminesutherland@yaffa.com.au
0481 761 063

Vanessa Burges, Event Director
vanessaburges@yaffa.com.au 
0402 218 845