World’s best on tour

Warragul is set to welcome some of the world’s best cyclists including Australian Tour de France star Richie Porte during the upcoming 2019 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

The peloton will roar into Warragul for the finish of stage three after racing an undulating 161 kilometres from Sale on Friday, February 1.

The stage will see riders leave Sale and head for Maffra, before racing through the hills of Yallourn, Willow Grove and Shady Creek on their way to the finish line in Bowen St, Warragul.

Race director Scott McGrory said after some fast racing out of Sale, the riders would have time to regroup once the race gets into the Baw Baw Shire, before the roads start to undulate. “However, they won’t have time to soak in the views as the final 20 kilometres are fast, hard and hectic. The winner of this stage will need a combination of strength, speed and bravery,” he said.

Baw Baw Shire mayor Mikaela Power said council had set its sights on attracting worldclass events and the tour certainly fit the bill.

“It’s not every day you have the opportunity to watch the world’s best cyclists in your own backyard.

“It will be a great experience for locals and visitors of all ages, whether you’re a cycling buff or not. We’re proud to support this major event which will boost our local economy, promote cycling and inspire an active and healthy lifestyle.

“We encourage everyone to save the date and be part of the action as riders cross the finish line,” she said.”

The 66th Jayco Herald Sun Tour will run from Wednesday January 30 to Sunday February 3 and cover most of the Gippsland region before riders head to the Mornington Peninsula Shire and then finish in the City of Melbourne.

The tour is Australia’s oldest stage race with former winners including Tour de France champions Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins, Tour de France Green Jersey winner Baden Cooke as well as the inaugural Women’s Herald Sun Tour champion Brodie Chapman.