Kinglake will once again host stage four of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour on Sunday, February 4, 2018.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today revealed the tour schedule for next year with the addition of a women’s event for the very first time.
“This is another big win for women’s cycling in Australia. Victoria is fast cementing itself as the cycling capital of the country and we’re getting things done to ensure it stays that way,” Eren said.
The inaugural Herald Sun Women’s Tour will ensure some of the world’s best female riders stay in Victoria to compete as part of this iconic race.
“The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is an ideal chance for our regional centres, rural towns and for all corners of Victoria to demonstrate the best of everything they have to offer on the national stage,” Eren said.
After an action-packed prologue through Melbourne’s CBD, the 2018 tour will see riders battle it out through iconic tourist hotspots including Healesville, Kinglake and the Mitchelton Winery as well as Colac, Warrnambool and Ballarat.
Eren today announced a three-year extension of Visit Victoria’s support for the tour, locking away the flagship event until at least 2020.
The tour isn’t just a great sporting spectacle, it’s also a big driver of visitation and a key reason why Victoria is the sports and tourism capital of Australia as cycling fans flock to stages all over the state, providing valuable opportunities for local businesses.
The tour once again hits Murrindindi Shire’s picturesque but challenging roads in the first weekend of February with two stages travelling through the Shire.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Charlie Bisset said she’s thrilled Murrindindi will again be involved in this iconic road cycling event, where Australia’s best take on the world’s best, racing through the region.
“This year Stage 3 of the Tour will kick off in Nagambie on Saturday, February 3, and we’ll see the teams racing across Murrindindi Shire culminating with a 20km hill climb before a sprint finish to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort,” Cr Bisset said.
“Stage 4, on Sunday, February 4, sees the Kinglake Ranges come alive as thousands of spectators flock to the roadsides and the finish line to cheer home the winners of the Tour’s final stage.”
Cr Bisset said the final stage of the tour will be broadcast live to audiences around the world.
“Seeing our Shire as the backdrop for this iconic event is a fabulous opportunity. The television coverage for the tour has been demonstrated to drive visitation, as viewers and spectators are shown the cycling and tourism offer.
“There will be plenty of great viewing opportunities along the course route – and further details will be available in the coming weeks. Updates will be provided on Council’s website at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au,” she said.
A tour village area in Kinglake will feature market stalls, mobile catering, community activities and entertainment.
Vendor opportunities are available for businesses and community groups and we are also keen to hear from groups or individuals interested in providing entertainment or other complimentary activities.
If you would like to get involved please visit Council’s website to complete an expression of interest or call 5772 0333.
Council will be working closely with GTR Events, VicRoads, Victoria Police and the CFA to ensure the cyclists’, spectators’ and the community’s safety. This will include making temporary changes to traffic conditions and vehicle access in certain areas of the Shire while these Stages are being run.
Exact times and details will be available in the coming weeks and will be updated on Council’s website; however, access through Kinglake on the final day of the Tour will be restricted.
Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Charlie Bisset said she’s thrilled the Shire will again be involved in this iconic road cycling event, where Australia’s best, take on the world’s best, racing through the region.
“This year Stage 3 of the tour will kick off in Nagambie on Saturday 3 February, and we’ll see the teams racing across Murrindindi Shire culminating with a 20km hill climb before a sprint finish to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort,” Cr Bisset said.
“Stage 4, on Sunday 4 February, will see our Kinglake Ranges come alive as thousands of spectators flock to the roadsides and the finish line to cheer home the winners of the Tour’s final stage.”
Cr Bisset said the final stage of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour will be broadcast live to audiences around the world.
“Seeing our Shire as the backdrop for this iconic event is a fabulous opportunity. The television coverage for the Tour has been demonstrated to drive visitation, as viewers and spectators are shown the cycling and tourism offer.
“There will be plenty of great viewing opportunities along the course route – and further details will be available in the coming weeks. Updates will be provided on Council’s website at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au,” she said.
The Tour Village area in Kinglake will feature market stalls, mobile catering, community activities and entertainment.
Vendor opportunities are available for businesses and community groups and we are also keen to hear from groups or individuals interested in providing entertainment or other complimentary activities. If you would like to get involved please visit Council’s website to complete an expression of interest or call 5772 0333.
Council will work closely with GTR Events, VicRoads, Victoria Police and the CFA to ensure the cyclists’, spectators’ and the community’s safety. This will include making temporary changes to traffic conditions and vehicle access in certain areas of the Shire while these Stages are being run.
Times and details will be available in shortly and updated on Council’s website; however, road access through Kinglake on the final day (Sunday, February 4) of the tour will be restricted.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour will be held between Tuesday, January 30 and Sunday, February 4, 2018.
Kinglake Ranges News will again provide live and exclusive local media coverage of Stages three and four in co-operation with Murrindindi Shire, media partners and La Trobe University.
PHOTOS: Ashley Geelan.
