General News
17 February, 2021
Organisers planning new Warrny date
RACE organisers and AusCycling remain committed to staging a successful 105th edition of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic after the event was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
RACE organisers and AusCycling remain committed to staging a successful 105th edition of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic after the event was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
A new date for the race, which passes through Bungador, Jancourt, Port Campbell and Peterborough en route to Warrnambool, is hoped to be confirmed as soon as possible to provide clarity for everyone involved in the event.
Camperdown pair Riley Helmore and Grace Brown were among the 228-strong field, which included world champions, Commonweath Games medallists and professional riders, set to take part in this
year’s classic before it was postponed.
Event director Karin Jones, who along with key staff and volunteers had been putting the finishing touches on the event, said the postponement on the eve of the race was shattering for all involved.
“So much has gone into the preparation and I’m just devastated for everyone involved,” she said.
“I’m sorry for the staff, sponsors, organisers and most of all the riders who have come from all over Australia for what we had hoped would have been one of the best-ever events.
“My family and I put a lot into this race and growing it for everyone to enjoy and that won’t stop because of this setback.
“We’re going to come back with a bang, bigger and stronger later in 2021.”
Jones runs the race together with the owners of the Melbourne to Warrnambool, the Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee, who had been gearing up for a bumper edition of the legendary race.
Committee chair Shane Wilson said they were keen for the classic to return later in the year.
“We believe the most prudent step is to provide time and space for the Warrny 2021 to run,” he said.
“We are very hopeful that a delay to late in the year will allow our great event to run in a COVID-free environment.”
Naming sponsors Powercor Australia were also disappointed with the postponement but remain committed to delivering the classic later this year.
“This will be disappointing for so many people and I want to acknowledge the riders, committee and the community who have put so much time and effort into preparing for this event,” Powercor Australia’s Brand and Partnerships Lead Nina Ivanovic said.
“The reception and interest from the community this week has highlighted how iconic this event is and we will be working hard to deliver an exciting and highly competitive event later this year.”
Entries received for the Melbourne to Warrnambool will be carried over to the new race date or can be refunded by AusCycling on request.