CYCLING
Australia’s oldest stage race kicked off yesterday and will roll into Churchill today with plenty on offer for spectators.
The Herald Sun Tour continues a massive summer of cycling, playing its part in the calendar with WorldTour teams and local hopes gearing up for the five-day event.
This year the public will get a rare opportunity to ride the same track as their elite heroes or join two commentating gurus on the road.
The 66th edition of the event will showcase some of the best terrain regional Victoria and Melbourne has to offer with Aussie stars Richie Porte keen to build on his good form and Amanda Spratt looking for more silverware in the women’s Herald Sun Tour.
There are 22 nations represented across the teams, with national and international champions riding shoulder-to-shoulder with emerging Australian talent.
Stage two in Churchill today will provide lots of entertainment and activities for the whole family with the best cyclists in the world crossing the finish line at Gaskin Park.
There will be a free sausage sizzle for the community between 3pm and 5pm and Streetgames pop-up sport opportunities for all ages from 2.30pm to 5pm.
There will also be free games, kids’ craft activities and an opportunity to meet Murray the Cod mascot and his friends and an athlete meet and greet with autograph opportunities.
Race details:
Thursday, January 31:
Thule Men’s Stage 2 – 127km
Start: 10am – Wonthaggi
Finish: 1.20pm at Gaskin Park, Churchill
Thule Women’s Stage 2 – 91.5km
Start: 2.30pm – Churchill
Finish: 5.04pm at Gaskin Park, Churchill
Friday, February 1:
Go Fish Nagambie Men’s Road Stage 3 – 161.6 km
Start: 10.30am Sale
Finish: 2.12pm Warragul
Saturday, February 2:
Arthurs Seat Eagle Men’s Road Stage 4 – 129.4km
Start: 12.30pm Cape Schanck
Finish: 3.47pm Arthurs Seat
Sunday, February 3:
Gumbuya World Men’s Stage 5 – 89.1km
Botanic Gardens
Start: 1.30pm
Finish: 4pm
