GREAT Victorian Bike Ride participants will have the chance to enjoy racing of a different kind on their 28 November rest day in Traralgon, with Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club to host a special meet for cyclists.
The State Government has pledged a $9320 funding boost for the Wednesday event, which will offer GVBR riders free entry, an exclusive marquee, free meal and drink voucher, gifts upon entry and a host of other attractions.
TGRC and Greyhound Racing Victoria will provide an additional $13,450 toward the day, which TGRC president Don Haley described as an excellent opportunity for the club to show its wares.
“We’ve got this major bike race coming through, they’re staying locally for a day, and we thought we would try and provide some entertainment for those 4000 riders,” he said.
“We’re going to make a really good day of it and promote greyhound racing to people who may not have been before.”
Haley said the government funding incentive was something the club would embrace and look to utilise in future for similar events.
State Member for Morwell Russell Northe, who announced the Race Day Attraction Program funding boost on Monday morning, said the meeting would be an opportunity for riders and the greyhound club.
“Through the Great Victorian Bike Ride there will be a number of participants and support staff in the region at that particular time,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity; the greyhound racing club here have shown wonderful initiative to try and capture some of that market.”
The club will provide a free shuttle service on the day to and from Harold Preston Reserve to Glenview Park.
Racing begins at noon.
