While Wollongong braces for the excitement and interruption of the cycling world converging there for the 2022 UCI Road World Championships from this Saturday, the Kiama area is benefiting from the event from a distance.

“Most of our accommodation is booked up with organisers at the moment, and in the next few days the spectators will be arriving,” says Destination Kiama’s Sally Bursell.

“It’s so easy to get up there by train, rather than navigate all the road closures.”

Both the Norwegian and Danish teams are staying at the Mecure in Gerringong.

The manager of the Norwegian team, Kai Lexberg, says they haven’t seen a lot of Gerringong but is pleased with their decision to stay further away from the race venue.

Norwegian manager Kai Lexberg with some of his team

“It is good to be away from Wollongong as it is more quiet and the riders can relax between races.”

The Norwegians have a team of 19 riders and 14 staff, and are hopeful some of their riders will be on the podium.

“I think we have a chance for a medal, especially in the younger classes although we also hope for the Mens Elite,” says Mr Lexberg.

“The course is good. It has a lot of corners that make it technical and steep hills.”

Denmark's Mikkel Bjerg and Magnus Cort

The Danish team of 20 riders and support staff includes Mikkel Bjerg, a three times world champion in the under 23 class, who has now moved up into the Elite division; and Magnus Cort, who won a stage in the Tour de France this year, and wore the polka dot jersey for a week.

The event, 18-25 September, is expected to attract an astounding 300,000 spectators over the eight days of competition to watch more than 1000 of the world’s best cyclists compete. 10,000 international visitors are thought to be coming, and another 300 million will watch on TV across the globe.

The racing will take place over three circuits – the Mount Keira Loop, the City Circuit and the route along the coast from Helensberg to Lang Park.

Details of the races, the fan zones, best vantage points and all of the free side events are available on the website.