Course Overview
Criterium White Bay takes place on a drop-in course on the 4,500 m2 of hardstand wharf area at the White Bay Cruise Terminal. The course is relatively short, clocking in at approximately 800m in length, with two long straights and a tight hairpin.
The course makes the most of the location, running along the edge of the water (with views of the harbour and Sydney CBD skyline), under the cruise ship gangways, and into the ‘back of house’, which will have you racing around forklifts and luggage handling equipment.
It’s fast, and it’s fun. There really is nothing like it.
The information below is designed to familiarise you with the course and event village, to help you get the most out of your Criterium White Bay experience!
Course Map
The basic course shape and characteristics do not change year-on-year. However, we are constantly improving the details of the event to make it more enjoyable for participants and spectators alike.
- Team sheds
- Service lane
- Bicycle parking
- Restricted area, 18+ only
- First aid station
- Vehicle parking
- Sign-on & Information
- Water station
- Entrance/exit
- Toilets (located within Terminal)
- Food trucks
- Licensed bar
- Restricted access (pass required)
- Controlled crossing
Venue Access
When you arrive at the venue, you should enter through the main Terminal entrance (clearly signed from the car park). You are welcome to bring your bike and personal equipment in via this entrance. No pets or event equipment are permitted through this entrance.
The venue has equitable and step-free access to the Terminal building and the surrounding wharf/dock areas. If you require special assistance, or have more questions, please contact us for more information.
For information about the venue, including vehicle access, bringing your dog along, and more, please check out our dedicated location overview.
Course Access
From inside the Terminal building, make your way outside onto the wharf. This places you inside the event village, with easy access to the course.
Sign-on
Before you will be permitted on the course, you will need to get your registration pack and put your race number(s). You can pick this up in the sign-on area (see the above map). Members of the event team will be near the sign-on area for any help or directions you need.
Entering and exiting the course
You can enter and exit the course via the dedicated service lane on the western end of the course (in front of the luggage sheds – see the map above). This is one of the very few points on the course where there is a break in the interlinked barriers to allow you to enter and exit safely. It is highly recommended (and preferred) that you enter/exit the course here.
Additionally, you can enter and exit at one of the controlled course crossings. However, this is not recommended, and you may be blocked from entering/exiting here for periods of time.
Note – you will only be permitted on the course if you have race number(s) attached, and an Australian Standards-approved helmet on.
Practice laps
The course will be open at least 30 minutes before the first event starts on each day of Criterium White Bay. There will also be a short window between races for you to get in some practice laps.
If this is your first time at Criterium White Bay, or you are relatively new to racing, we highly recommend you get out on the course as early as possible to get a feel for it. It is a working dock, so the surface can be quite rough, meaning it might take a couple of laps to get to know all the quirks. You can build up your speed with each lap until you are ready to go full gas.
Course crossings
There are a number of controlled crossing points on the course (see the above map). Each of these points will have a trained team member, security, or marshall stationed to open/close the crossing and allow people to move across when it is safe to do so. Some crossings will only be accessible with the appropriate pass (team members, media, security, etc.).
Spectator areas
There are a number of spectator areas around the course (see the above map), each offering a unique view of the track. Spectators are free to move between the various spectator areas using the controlled course crossings.
Some areas of the course are not accessible without an appropriate pass
Course Lighting & Audio
Criterium White Bay is one of the few marquee races in Australia to feature night racing. Once the sun goes down the venue is transformed into a party atmosphere through careful lighting and sound design, which is engineered to maximise both fun and safety.
Lighting design
The course is carefully lit to maximise visibility and create a party atmosphere after sundown. A series of light towers are placed around the course to illuminate the track and are turned on as soon as the sun starts to dip (or if conditions are overcast).
There are also a number of lighting effects placed around the course, partly for theatrical impact. These effects are not used during racing (only between races, or at the start/end of races).
Audio design
Amplified music and commentary are delivered via a distributed audio system, designed to create even sound coverage and minimise the impact on local residents. Sound levels are carefully monitored throughout the event to ensure it is not disruptive to participants or residents (and kept in accordance with venue restrictions).
Racing at night
If you have never raced at night before, it is an exhilarating experience. It is also a little different and might take a couple of laps to get used to. Therefore, we highly recommend you get out on the course as early as possible to get a feel for it.
Amenities
As a working cruise terminal and event venue, White Bay Cruise Terminal already has a number of amenities on-site, ready to go. Additional amenities will be provided on event day to ensure you have everything you need to have a safe, enjoyable and comfortable event experience.
Water
There is a water station next to the Sign-on/Information area (see the above map) for you to fill up water bottles. There are also toilets inside the Terminal building you can use.
Food & alcohol
Food trucks are situated in the main event village area where you can purchase food and drinks. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks with you. Please dispose of any waste responsibly, using the bins provided.
There is a bar in the event village, serving alcohol and refreshments. Make sure you bring ID if you plan on purchasing alcohol, as you will need it to access this area. You may not bring your own alcohol to the event.
You are also prohibited from bringing glassware into the venue.
Toilets
Toilets are situated in the main Terminal building and are clearly marked.
Changing facilities
There are no dedicated showers or change rooms at White Bay. However, you can use the toilets in the Terminal if you need to get changed.
Bike parking
Dedicated bike parking is available near where you exit the Terminal building to access the course (see the above map). This parking is provided free of charge and is unattended. We recommend you bring a bike lock to secure your bike.
Note – you may not leave your bike anywhere else around the course (with the exception of the luggage/team sheds behind the service lane).
Service Lane
A dedicated service lane is setup along the western end of the course. This serves a number of purposes, allowing you to enter and exit the course safely, as well as offering a dedicated area to perform basic mechanical repairs.
Mechanical repairs
You are welcome to place spare wheels in the service lane, so long as it doesn’t obstruct clear access through the lane. Wheel changes are the only repairs permitted in the service lane.
More Information
Please take a moment to read over the event FAQs, which cover important event day information. Otherwise, if you have any further questions, please get in touch.