The nation’s elite will contest Australia’s most iconic and prestigious bike races, the Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool and the Warrnambool Women’s Cycling Classic.

The Melbourne to Warrnambool is one of Australia’s oldest bike races, dating back to 1895, this year the ‘Warrny’ will be AusCycling’s first stop on the National Road Series calendar.

The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Festival will run from February 3-4, riders will hope to add their name to the ‘Warrny’s’ extensive honour roll.

The continued support from Lochard Energy, Powercor Australia and the Victorian Government ensures the iconic Melbourne to Warrnambool will remain on the Australian Cycling Calendar.

Also, 2024 marks the beginning of an exciting and new three-year partnership with Powercor Australia as title sponsor of the Melbourne to Warrnambool.

Chair of the Warrnambool Citizen’s Road Race Committee Shane Wilson thanked Powercor Australia, Lochard Energy, Warrnambool City Council and the Victorian State Government for their continued support of Australia’s oldest bike race.

“The Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Festival cannot happen without many parties working together, the Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee is grateful of the support we have received from Lochard Energy, Powercor Australia, Warrnambool City Council and the State Government.”

“The State Government has significantly invested in the Melbourne to Warrnambool, we are thankful for their ongoing support of this historic event.”

“For over a hundred years the ‘Warrny’ has remained Australia’s most iconic bike race, now a new and exciting three-year partnership with Powercor Australia ensures that the world’s second oldest cycling classic continues to thrive.”

“Australia has some of the best women cyclists in the world, Lochard Energy’s support for the Warrnambool Women’s Cycling Classic ensures our nation’s best riders have an opportunity to showcase their talents. Lochard Energy’s support remains a key driver in growing Women’s cycling in Australia.”

Powercor Australia General Manager Scott Russell is proud they will support the ‘Warrny’ for the next three years.

“We are a part of the local Warrnambool community and the ‘Warrny’ plays an important role in contributing to the local economy. We’re pleased to announce a new three-year partnership that will extend our relationship with this fantastic event until 2026.”

“Every day, we get to work in the beautiful region that makes up the Warrny’s course. We know a lot about the challenges that cyclists can face on the day, especially if they are exposed to various weather conditions. Either way it will be a great event for our local team and everyone in the community to enjoy.”

Lochard Energy Acting Chief Executive Officer Tim Jessen said: “Lochard Energy is thrilled to continue our role as the primary sponsor of the Women’s Warrnambool Cycling Classic – a race that embodies strength, resilience, and determination.

“At Lochard, we believe in the beneficial impact that women’s sport has on fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Supporting and investing in women in their athletic pursuits, career ambitions and within our local communities, is something Lochard is very proud of. We are honoured to contribute to the growth of women’s cycling and we are dedicated to empowering women and building a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow.”

Spearheading the domestic field will be returning champions Sophie Edwards (ARA-Skip Capital) and Tristan Saunders (Team BridgeLane).

Sophie Edwards said: “The Melbourne to Warrnambool is one of the most iconic races in the world, winning it means a lot, it’s one of the few races in Australia that international teams follow and are aware of, it’s special to be a part of.”

“We’re privileged to have Lochard Energy support the Melbourne to Warrnambool, we’re grateful for their ongoing support in giving the women the same opportunity as the men”.

Tristan Saunders said: “The Melbourne to Warrnambool is the most exciting and prestigious race in Australia, since my first participation in 2019 I fell in love with the race and its history, I never thought I would be fortunate enough to win.”

The women’s race will be broadcast live and free via SBS On Demand from 11:30am (AEDT) on Saturday, with the men’s race live from 10:30am (AEDT) on Sunday.