THE Rochester community has been given the cold shoulder by the annual cycling event named after the town’s favourite son, Sir Hubert Opperman.The Opperman All Day Trial, or the Oppy as it is affectionately known, will end in Strathfieldsaye this year after 15 years of finishing in Rochester.The decision by event organiser Audax Australia came as a shock to Shire of Campaspe Mayor Peter Williams yesterday.“The decision is a bit of a surprise and it’s fair to say residents would be a little disappointed,” Cr Williams said.“Oppy is regarded as an icon and a significant part of Rochester’s history.“It’s a bit like having the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and it ending in Launceston.”Cr Williams said it was disappointing the event organisers had not consulted the council.“Especially given that cycling is also a significant sport in our area.”Rochester Development Committee president Peter Anderson said he was originally a bit shocked by the decision, which he found out about by looking on the internet.“I was told by organisers that cyclist’s thoughts were canvassed after the last year’s event and they were told the riders wanted a change of scenery,” he said.“We’re certainly disappointed, but we accept their decision.”Mr Anderson said the statue erected in Sir Hubert Opperman’s honour in 1994 continued to draw cyclists from around the world.“He means a lot to us and the cycling fraternity,” he said.“There is still a lot of interest generated by Oppy.”The Opperman All Day Trial is a national event and attracts teams of three to five cyclists who cycle for 24 hours.Strathfieldsaye and Districts Community Enterprise board member Tony said the event was a terrific opportunity for the community.“The streets and roads around our district, particularly in Sedgwick, Mandurang and Sutton Grange, are already a popular riding spot for local cyclists,” he said.“Strathfieldsaye may not be the home of Sir Hubert Opperman, but we are certainly the preferred area of choice for thousands of local cyclists every weekend.”