Nick Gates Foundation

The Cavalier Homes Nick Gates Classic is fast approaching with Townsville cyclists signing up for the professional-style event along The Strand on Saturday September 19.

The day will consist of three events:

1. The first is a juniors race open to Under-15’s and Under-17 riders only consisting of a 20 minute timed-race plus 2 laps around the course
2. Following the junior race, a support race will be held for senior riders including Under-19’s, this will consist of a 30 minute timed-race plus 2 laps
3. The final event for the day is the Cavalier Homes Nick Gates Classic for A-Grade, elite racers, this will consist of a 40 minute timed-race plus 2 laps

The Nick Gates Classic is being held alongside the TP Human Capital Corporate Triathlon which will be held on Sunday September 20, creating a sport-filled weekend. The Townsville Triathlon is the largest event of its kind in Queensland and is expected to attract over 400 teams this year.

Gates said the Nick Gates Classic is the perfect opportunity for Townsville’s cycling community to get out and enjoy a fun day of cycling events.

“We have a lot planned for the Saturday, with a variety of events to suite entrants. The aim of the day is to provide Townsville with an event that meets the needs of the Townsville cycling community,” he said.

“The Cavalier Homes Nick Gates Classic will be the perfect opportunity for cyclists to experience a competitive race in their own backyard along the idyllic Strand course,”

“We launched the event last year with great success, and this year we are happy to be joining forces with the TP Human Capital Townsville Triathlon. We hope that together we can grow the weekend of sporting activities into a major event in Australia,” said Mr Gates.

Local Townsville cyclists, Josh Hislop and Joel Lewis from DM Drafting Cycling Team will be participating in the Nick Gates Classic.

Gates will not only be racing in the Nick Gates Classic but will be participating in the TP Human Capital Corporate Triathlon the following day.

The Cavalier Homes Nick Gates Classic is an initiative by the Nick Gates Foundation to raise money and to support young cyclists in Northern Queensland.

“The Nick Gates Foundation was formed after I encountered Townsville’s young talented cyclists and learned of their problems participating in a sport that received very little funding,” said Mr Gates.

“Many children who cycle in regional Australia do not get the same opportunities as those who live in major cities and metropolitan areas. The Nick Gates Foundation aims to give children living in regional areas across Northern Queensland support in their cycling endeavours,”

“By providing some level of financial assistance to promising juniors the foundation will give them the ability to reach their full career potential and dreams, in the future we also hope to provide workshops and coaching clinics,” he said.

Nick recently returned from a trip to France for the Tour de France, where he cheered on his ex-team, Team Lotto.

Entries for the day’s races will be taken online at www.qld.cycling.org.au, all riders must hold a current Cycling Australia license.

The day will kick off at 2:30pm on Saturday September 19, with the main event the Cavalier Homes Nick Gates Classic starting at 3:45pm along The Strand. The TP Human Capital Corporate Team Triathlon starts at 7:45am on Sunday September 20.

Please Note: Nick is available for interviews on request.

Cycling Queensland