20/11/2024
Bendigo International Madison Statement
The Bendigo International Madison has had a long and proud history in Bendigo, with 2024 marking the
50th staging of this iconic cycling and athletic event. It is with great regret that the Bendigo International
Madison Committee has made the difficult decision not to continue the event.
Despite our best efforts, mounting challenges in recent years have proven insurmountable, making it no
longer feasible to conduct the event to the high standards it has always upheld.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bendigo business community for its unwavering and
magnificent support. The Madison has relied entirely on sponsorship from the local community, and the
loyalty and generosity shown by businesses have been truly humbling and deeply appreciated.
Over the years, the Bendigo International Madison has brought world-class athletes to our city.
Olympians, Tour de France competitors, and World Champions have graced this event, including Mark
Cavendish, Stuart O’Grady, Baden Cooke, Lucas Hamilton, Simon Clarke, Caleb Ewan, Gary Sutton, Urs
Freuler, and Brett Aitken, to name but a few. The list of international participants and nations represented
is a testament to the global reach and prestige of the Madison.
As Australia’s most prestigious track cycling and athletic carnival, the Madison has been a tradition on the
Labour Day weekend, attracting spectators and tourists from across Australia and around the world.
Countries represented include Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Chile, Argentina, the
United States, Switzerland, Japan, China, South Africa, Canada, and Denmark, among many others.
The event’s legacy also includes the establishment of the Women’s Madison, the induction of many
outstanding competitors and officials into our Hall of Fame, and the hosting of thrilling street criteriums.
At its heart, however, the Madison has always been about the incredible cycling and athletic events that
have delighted large crowds year after year.
Among the highlights are the multiple victories of cycling great Danny Clark with partners Don Allan, Frank
Atkins, and Paul Medhurst, as well as Olympic champions Scott McGrory and Brett Aitken’s triumph
following their gold medal win at the Sydney Olympics. Stephen Pate’s sensational performances,
including winning multiple Madisons and the prestigious Golden Mile, have also left an indelible mark.
Local heroes such as Andrew Stirling, Zac Dempster, David Maltby, Chris White, Tim Decker, Glenn
O’Shea, Sam Crome, and Blake Agnoletto have contributed to the Madison’s rich history. In athletics, the
120m Gift and 400m Black Opal events have been fiercely contested and sought after by competitors.
While the Bendigo International Madison will not continue, its legacy will live on in the memories of those
who participated, supported, and celebrated its success. We take immense pride in what the Madison
has achieved and the sense of community it has fostered over the past 50 years.
We thank you all—sponsors, volunteers, athletes, and spectators—for your unwavering support and
passion, which have made the Madison an extraordinary event for a city of Bendigo’s size.
Though this chapter has come to an end, we hope the spirit of the Madison will continue to inspire and
unite our community in the years to come.
Yours Sincerely,
Rik McCaig
Secretary
Bendigo International Madison
