Central Queensland University has extended its relationship with cycling via a three-year naming rights partnership for the nationally-renowed Rockhampton Cup on Wheels event.

This partnership reflects the University’s wider relationship with Queensland cycling, including talent identification, cycling-related research and student involvement in event management.

The 2005 CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels will incorporate the Queensland State Open Track Championships.

The CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels has become one of the most popular cycling events in Australia, with riders coming from as far away as Tasmania.

Rockhampton Velodrome has produced Commonwealth, Olympic and world champions and the city is renowned as a centre of excellence in cycling.

Dr Peter Reaburn, Head of the School of Health & Human Performance at CQU, said his School had developed excellent links with the Central Queensland cycling community through undergraduate, postgraduate and staff research projects and work placements for students with interests in sports management.

“In addition, we have developed research linkages and industry collaborative scholarships with Queensland Cycling and the Queensland Academy of Sport,” Dr Reaburn said.

“The fact that CQU has the vision to support a high profile sport in Central Queensland such as cycling is further evidence of the University's commitment to its region.”