Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool organisers have moved swiftly to secure a new date for the 2021 edition of the race, with May 1 the new slot for the oldest and longest Australian Classic.
The initial running of the race on February 13 had to be postponed after the Victorian lockdown announcement on February 12.
The date will put it closer to the other races within the ‘Classics season’ that form part of the National Road Series (NRS), the Grafton to Inverell (May 8) and more recent entrant Tour de Brisbane (April 11).
The rescheduled date will allow those that had prepared to take on the challenge of the Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool to continue their preparation towards the great event with the shortest possible delay, while also forming a block of racing for NRS teams and those looking to travel and take on some of the other great races within Australia.
Race sponsors and partners are all directing their focus towards the new date with the aim of producing as good an edition of the ‘Warrny’ as the race would have if it had gone ahead on the initially scheduled date.
“What had planned to be a great Warrny last weekend, will now be a great Warrny on the 1st of May,” said Shane Wilson, chair of the Warrnambool Citizen’s Road Race Committee. “The cycling community and our partners have provided us with great support to reschedule so quickly. Our team is raring to go.”
Naming sponsors Powercor Australia have long supported the Melbourne to Warrnambool and have been complimentary of the resilient nature of the event, which has fought back from prolonged stoppages in its 126-year history.
“While postponing the race last week was disappointing, having a new date confirmed is a terrific outcome for the riders and the community,” said Powercor Australia Brand & Partnerships Lead Nina Ivanovic.
“The support we’ve received over the last few days from so many people getting behind the race has been tremendous.”
Race organisers are looking forward to welcoming cyclists back to the new date of the Melbourne to Warrnambool, with the same legendary course and history that makes the race so special, just in a different spot on the calendar.
Riders can enter the event via the race website www.melbournetowarrnambool.com.au/
Existing entries will be carried over from the initial race date or can be refunded by contacting AusCycling.
