BENDIGO riders could be the ones to watch in the second Race the Train event from Castlemaine to Maldon next Sunday, according to organisers.
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Last year's inaugural event was a huge success with more than 200 people participating in either the race or the ride.
Event organiser Paula Ewing said Bendigo's Jason Lowndes, 18, took out the title in a blistering time 32m 20s,. beating the historic locomotive by more than 13 minutes.
"Last year’s male winner Jason Lowndes sent me his heart rate data afterwards," she said.
"He was 'maxing out'."
She said Bendigo's Jo Wall also won the female category.
"There's something in the water in Bendigo," she said.
She said the train, which came in mid field having been beaten by 46 riders, but ahead of 47 others, had "a good first stab at it".
She said train driver, Tony Llewellyn put in a solid effort on behalf of the Victorian Goldfields Railway.
Ms Ewing said they were similarly expecting about 200 people to take part this year - last year they had 100 competitors in the race and 100 in social ride.
She said there had been some changes to this year's events.
"We've tweaked it a little bit from last year, last year had the race start in Castlemaine then return social ride from Maldon," she said.
This year, the race and social ride together, plus an additional challenge category has been added with extra track.
Entry categories include The Challenge, a timed race along a 21.5km course, The Race, a timed race along a 17.3km course and The Ride, a social, un-timed 17.3km cruise.
Ms Ewing said the start at Castlemaine Gaol would overlook Castlemaine station and was a "really good vantage point".
Another change was an extra 3km of single track, she said.
"About the 4km mark there will be a new track the fast guys can deviate off, and another small section of single track," Ms Ewing said.
"There's also opportunities for people who don’t want to cycle to ride the train.
"It's a good weekend all round."
To watch the action unfold from the comfort of the train carriages, phone Victorian Goldfields Railway on 5470 6658 to secure your tickets.
Entries to the rides close Wednesday, October 29.
For details, visit www.racethetrain.com.au
