Warni to keep rolling for another three years

A HISTORIC Australian cycling event that will pass through the Geelong region has been secured for the next three years, through funding from the state government.

Minister for Sport John Eren announced last week that the Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic will be held on February 16 next year, supported by the Significant Sporting Events Program.

The “Warni” was first raced in 1895 and is the second oldest one-day cycling race in the world.

It has traditionally been run in spring and featured many great amateur and professional riders including Sir Hubert Opperman, Russell Mockridge and Simon Gerrans, while also being a launch pad for many local aspiring riders.

Rescheduling the race to February means it will now dovetail into the Australian Summer of Cycling, where it is expected to have increased international interest, tourism and participation.

In 2019, the race will start at Avalon Airport and finish in the heart of Warrnambool at the event village where there will be activities for locals, and live entertainment.

The event will also incorporate the ‘Let’s Ride Schools program’ – Cycling Australia’s national junior riding program which teaches kids to ride safely by developing knowledge, skills and confidence.

The state government’s $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program supports organisations to deliver sporting events that are national or international in focus or have regional significance and are recognised by a relevant sporting body.

The investment will secure more than 300 sporting events for Victoria over the next four years of which more than half will be held in regional Victoria. This brings competitors and tourists to local towns, stimulates local economies and gets more Victorians active and healthy through sport.

“Shifting the classic to February adds to Victoria’s festival of cycling and cements our reputation as the powerhouse of Australian cycling,” Mr Eren said.

“We’re encouraging all Victorians to embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle, and seeing the best cyclists in the world competing in our own background will inspire many to give cycling a go.”