Sandown Raceway

Better known for roaring Supercars and motorsport, Sandown International Motor Raceway in Springvale, Melbourne transforms into one of Victoria’s most distinctive road cycling venues when the cars are off the track. The full 3.1-kilometre motor racing circuit is used for cycling, giving riders the rare opportunity to race on a wide, completely closed course designed for considerably higher speeds than you'll manage on two wheels! Sandown International Motor Raceway features two long straights connected by sweeping and tighter corners, creating a very different experience from a traditional short criterium circuit. The course is relatively flat, but its length, exposed sections and repeated accelerations make for fast, tactical racing where bunch positioning and finding some shelter from the wind can make a big difference. Sandown has a long association with Melbourne's cycling community and is regularly used for criteriums, individual time trials and team time trials. Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club has traditionally run summer racing at the circuit, while the Southern Masters Cycling Club runs Thursday evening criteriums at Sandown from October through April, with grades catering for a wide range of abilities. It's also an important junior racing venue. The Victorian Interschool Cycling Series uses Sandown for both criterium and time-trial rounds, giving younger riders the chance to experience racing on a proper closed motor-racing circuit. The 2025/26 series included both an individual time trial and criterium at Sandown. Unlike a public criterium track, Sandown isn't somewhere you can simply turn up and ride whenever you like. Cycling access is tied to organised races, training sessions and booked events, so check the relevant club or AusCycling calendar for your next opportunity to get onto the circuit. RTS TIP: Ever wanted to race your bike around an actual motor-racing circuit? Sandown is your chance. At 3.1 km a lap there's plenty of room for the bunch to stretch out, and those long straights can feel very long when you're caught out in the wind. Find an organised race, pick the right grade and enjoy one of Melbourne's most unique places to ride.