Tamworth Cycle Club president Min McDonald said the event has something for every rider at every level.

“We have three great events over two days in one fabulous location,” she said.

“The level of interest has been incredible, especially off the back of our Gunnedah to Tamworth ride, 150 competitors attended that event.”

The festival includes a hill climb at Oxley Lookout, a five kilometre community ride, the criterium for professional riders and a road race and gran fondo.

The traditional Nemingha to Nundle handicap road race will be turned into a full two days of cycling.

Read also:

The event is modeled off a similar festival held in Bathurst, Ms McDonald said.

“We expect a lot of national road series teams will be back particularly when they know there’s $10,000 in prize money on offer,” she said.

“It’s an exciting event and we’re looking forward to it, it’s not just good for cycling it’s good for Tamworth.”

The $10,000 was granted by Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson on Monday, who said there’s no doubt cycling is on the rise.

“It’s the new golf,” he said.

“We need community groups like this to look at what they do to promote not only their sport but a healthy lifestyle – it’s something we’re always looking to support.”

The Tamworth Festival of Cycling kicks off on Friday August 31 and runs until September 2.

For more information visit tamworthcycleclub.org.au.