Amy’s Otway Tour confirmed in National Road Series

A TRADITIONAL Tours season will start a transformed Cycling Australia (CA) 2018 National Road Series (NRS), with a host of the country’s iconic cycling events to feature alongside new Tours.

As announced by CA in November, the NRS will undergo a number of reforms over the coming seasons including transitions in the scheduling and format of events, improvements in pathway opportunities, and the enhancement of the series’ management and officiating.

Amy’s Otway Tour (September 15-16) is among several events returning to the NRS in 2018, alongside the Tour of the Great South Coast (August 15-19), Tour of King Valley (August 31-September 2) and Tour of Gippsland (October 9-12).

As of this year, the NRS will be showcased across three sections beginning with the Tours, which will take in nine events across four states from July through to November.

The NRS will continue to provide opportunities for the country’s best developing riders, with strong performances and results rewarded with invitations into Australia’s top UCI events including the Tour Down Under and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

To ensure consistent and professional delivery of all events, CA has implemented a panel of the top national commissaires to act as the series’ chief commissaires.

“Cycling Australia has a confident and considered vision for the future of the NRS and we are very pleased to be unveiling the first of our new changes,” Cycling Australia chief executive officer Steve Drake said.

“The 2018 season boasts a great mix of the classic Tours, with the addition of exciting new Tours such as the Tour of Tasmania for women, and the Giro della Donna set to energise the backend of the season.

“The NRS is an integral pathway for Australia’s promising young cyclists and importantly we are pleased the NRS will continue to provide chances for riders to gain starting positions in the country’s top UCI events.

“It is also fantastic to see the introduction of new management standards which will ensure the highest level of and consistency in officiating across the Series, in addition to providing support and guidance to race organisers and team managers.”

More details will be announced over the coming months.