Australia’s oldest road race, the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic, will return on 16 February 2019 as the opening race of the 2019 Cycling Australia National Road Series.
As one of the premier events in the National Road Series “Classics” season, the “Warny” truly lays claim to being a global Classic and the 2019 and 103rd edition of the race will known as the Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool, with Victoria’s largest electricity distribution business signing on as the naming rights partner for the event.
At today’s event launch, Powercor’s General Manager of Electricity Networks, Steven Neave, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment and excitement at being a part of next year’s ‘Warny’.
“This race provides the community with an opportunity to see some of the country’s best cyclists in action and we are pleased to be able to honour the history and heritage of the race by supporting it,” Steven said.
“We are a part of the local community and understand that events such as the ‘Warny’ are an important part of the tourism calendar and help support the local economy.
“As a keen cyclist growing up in Colac I have seen the ‘Warny’ grow in popularity over the years and have fond memories of watching the race come streaming through town.”
The ‘Warny’ has always been warmly embraced by communities that lie between Melbourne and Warrnambool, and even more so by the riders who have earned a cherished finishers’ medallion.
First run in 1895, the Melbourne to Warrnambool is the world’s second oldest single day road race behind Liege-Bastogne-Liege and has traditionally been a handicap event. However, it was amended in 1996 to a graded scratch race format, and that will continue in 2019.
The calendar shift from the traditional time slot in October will enable the Classic to follow the Summer of Cycling which features the FedUni Road Nationals, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
These sentiments were echoed by the Minister for Sport, John Eren.
“The Andrews Government is proud to bring the world’s best riders to Victoria for our Summer of Cycling.
“Shifting the Classic to February means another string in Victoria’s bow as the powerhouse of Australian cycling, and I’m certain the race will attract Australia’s leading riders.
“We’re working hard to encourage all Victorians to embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle, and seeing the best cyclists in the world competing in our own backyard will inspire many to give cycling a go.”
