Scott Sunderland has been appointed race director for the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong. A former professional cyclist, he brings local knowledge and experience from overseeing numerous World Tour races in Europe.

Recently retired Mark Renshaw, a key lead-out rider for Mark Cavendish for many years, will also join Sunderland on the team for the World Championships next September. Renshaw, who spent 16 years in the pro peloton, will take on the role of safety manager.

Sunderland, who was both born in New South Wales and has represented Australia at 13 UCI Road World Championships, now lives in Belgium, where he has competed in the Flanders Classic, RideLondon Classic, Cadel He is the race director of the Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

UCI President David Lapartient welcomed Sunderland's appointment, recognizing his close ties to the international cycling community, his experience as a race director, and his passion for the technical and narrative nature of the sport.

"Scott is highly respected in the professional cycling community, and his familiarity with Australia as the former director of several national road series makes him an ideal fit for the position," Lapartiento said in a statement. [He is] looking forward to being in Wollongong for the 2022 UCI Road World Championships next September and can't wait to see the dynamic racing that will take place in the region across all 11 medal events."

The Wollongong World Championships, September 18-25, will be the second time Australia has hosted the event since Geelong in 2010. This time, the event will be held in a coastal city near Sydney, so there is a wide variety of terrain where the race could take place, and the route will be announced in late December.

"The championships are a prestigious event for many professional riders looking to win the coveted rainbow jersey. We are enthusiastic about helping to develop a course that is challenging, exciting, and unforgettable for athletes and spectators alike." [Especially in Wollongong, where steep slopes meet quintessential white sand beaches. Riders, officials, fans, and the media will surely be amazed at the racing that will take place against this spectacular backdrop"

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Renshaw, who returns to New South Wales after retiring from professional cycling at the end of 2019, brings years of experience in fast and furious race finishes to his role as Safety Manager.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong." "I look forward to using my 16 years of racing experience to bring a rider's perspective to the preparation for this event." Renshaw said.