Victoria Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty

Coalition Government Gives A Boost To Secure Melbourne To Warrnambool Cycling Classic

Victor P Taffa

The future of Australia’s oldest one day road cycling event, the iconic Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic, is assured thanks to a $200,000 funding boost confirmed today by Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty.

Mr. Delahunty was joined by the Victorian Minister for Regional Cities and Member for South West Coast Denis Napthine at Werribee racecourse to confirm the funding, which delivers on the Coalition’s 2010 election commitment. The race will start on Saturday 29 October.

“For over 116 years the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic has been a stand-out event on Victoria’s road racing calendar, launching the careers of some of Australia’s greatest cyclists including Sir Hubert Opperman, Dean Woods and, more recently, Simon Gerrans.” Mr. Delahunty said.

This tradition continues with year’s race featuring Australia’s Nathan Haas, who won the Jayco Herald Sun Tour earlier this month.

“The Victorian Government’s funding boost of $50,000 p.a. over four years secures the future of the event. This will ensure Australia’s oldest one-day road cycling event continues to thrive and provide a launching pad for the next generation of road cycling heroes.” Mr. Delahunty said.

At 262 kilometres, the Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic is the southern hemispheres longest one-day cycling race. The event starts at the Werribee racecourse at 7.30 am on Saturday 29 October, with around 200 cyclists making their way through Victoria’s south west, taking in towns such as Little River, Inverleigh, Camperdown and Terang before finishing in Warrnambool.

Dr. Napthine said the Classic was an important event for Victoria’s south west region.

“Events like the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic deliver more than just great scenery and sporting moments, they promote Victoria’s fantastic regional areas and provide a significant boost to local sports, tourism, and investment for towns and communities along the route.” Dr. Napthine said.

Dr. Napthine commended everyone involved in staging the Classic including sponsors Eastern Oak as well as participating councils.

“It’s always a fantastic atmosphere in Warrnambool for the Classic and I urge everyone to come along and enjoy the festivities, which will continue on Sunday with the staging of the Shipwreck Coast Classic.” Dr. Napthine said.

“Both the Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic and the Shipwreck Coast Classic form part of Cycling Australia’s 2011 national road series, so it promises to be a fantastic weekend in Warrnambool for sports and cycling enthusiasts.”

For more information about the Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic go to: www.melbournetowarrnambool.com/cyclingclassic