Bendigo is set to welcome back Australia's oldest stage race next month, when it hosts the finish of Stage One in the heart of town on Thursday 5th February and the start of Stage Two of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour at Tom Flood Velodrome on Friday 6th February.
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Commencing in Mt Macedon, the opening stage passes Hanging Rock before finishing in the heartland of Victorian cycling, Bendigo.
Stage Two is a 118km route taking riders from the Tom Flood Velodrome in Bendigo, passing the Heathcote-Graytown National Park before crossing the Goulburn River into Nagambie.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour returns in 2015 for the 62nd edition in what will be the climax to the Summer of Cycling events program. The five-day Tour winds through some of Victoria's most picturesque and challenging locations including Macedon, Bendigo, and Nagambie before finishing with a gruelling final day on Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula.
Defending champion Simon Clarke returns to lead the Australian UCI World Tour team ORICA-GreenEDGE, however their world-class line up won't have it all their own way with international teams from Great Britain, Italy, South Africa, New Zealand and the US, set to join Australia's best national and international squads on the start line.
In addition to seeing some of our nation's and world's best riders racing down their local street, there is also a series of activities planned around the stage finish in Pall Mall on February 5.
And best of all, it is completely free!
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Peter Cox said Bendigo is a cycling city and the tour will provide a unique opportunity for residents to experience an iconic event.
" It's great for local sports fans and cycling enthusiasts to be able to witness both the finish of stage one and the start of stage two in our great city.
"The 2015 tour is sure to create a lot of interest among local residents and Bendigo is excited to host such an integral part of the 2015 tour. I encourage residents to come along and experience this great spectator experience," Cr Cox said.
Victorian Minister for Sport, John Eren MP, said the Victorian Government is proud to work with a range of dedicated key partners to support the event.
"It not only brings together a star studded peloton including international and national riders, the Tour injects a significant boost to local sport, tourism, and investment. It helps stimulate regional economies and new job opportunities as well as community spirit," Mr Eren said.
"Importantly, events like these showcase the best of Victoria with some of our great tourist destinations covered by the stages of the event."
"These include the vibrant Southbank precinct in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, the rolling hills of Mt Macedon, the goldfields region of Bendigo, the wineries of Nagambie and Seymour's majestic Goulburn River and Tallarook Ranges."
"And don't forget the final stage atop Arthurs Seat on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula."
"The Jayco Herald Sun Tour highlights just how important major events are for all Victorians," Mr Eren said.
Event chairman, Tom Salom said the Tour wouldn't be possible without the support of the host city councils and their organising committee teams.
Starting with the City of Melbourne, and finishing with the Mornington Peninsula Shire, they will join the Macedon Ranges Shire, City of Greater Bendigo and Shire of Strathbogie in creating a memorable Tour, Mr Salom said.
In order to host such a high profile event right in your backyard, there will be some minor traffic disruptions. Please see the table below for all local road closure information.
The event suggests venue parking at the Hargreaves Street Multi Storey car park situated between Williamson Street and Bull Street.
Bendigo Road Closures
Road Name
Location
Closure
Date(s)
Closure Times
Pall Mall / Midland Highway
South-eastbound lane between Chapel Street and View Street.
THU 5 FEB
9:00am to 5:00pm
View Street*
Southbound lane between Barnard Street and Pall Mall.
THU 5 FEB
1:30pm to 2:30pm*
Barnard Street*
North-eastbound lane between View Street and Park Road.
THU 5 FEB
1:30pm to 2:30pm*
Park Road*
Between Barnard Street and Farmers Lane.
THU 5 FEB
1:30pm to 2:30pm*
Bridge Street*
Northbound lane between Farmers Lane and Pall Mall.
THU 5 FEB
1:30pm to 2:30pm*
Bridge Street
No access onto the Pall Mall.
THU 5 FEB
9:00am to 5:00pm
*Full road closure will last approximately 30minutes between these times based on the arrival of the peloton into Bendigo.
The 2015 Jayco Herald Sun Tour is presented by Jayco and the Herald Sun, along with the continued support from the Victorian State Government.
Jayco Herald Sun Tour
What:
62nd edition of Victoria's oldest stage race
When:
Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th February 2015
Course:
KordaMentha Real Estate Prologue - Wed 4th Feb - Melbourne Southbank - 2.1km
Team Presentation (4.15pm) Cycling(6.15pm-7.30pm)
Stage 1 - Thurs 5th Feb - Mt Macedon to Bendigo - 146km (10.30am-2.40pm*)
Stage 2 - Fri 6th Feb - Bendigo to Nagambie - 118km (10.30am-1.40pm*)
Stage 3 - Sat 7th Feb - Mitchelton Winery to Nagambie - 146km (10.30am-2.20pm*)
Stage 4 - Sun 8th Feb - Arthurs Seat Finale - 124km (2.00pm-5.00pm*)
*Approx stage finish times based on pace of the peloton
Website:
www.heraldsuntour.com.au<http://www.heraldsuntour.com.au>
