BENDIGO'S cycling community is gearing up to go behind the scenes of this year's Tour de France road classic and help raise money for a rising track star.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bendigo International Madison committee is hosting it's inaugural mid-year social night on July 19, which coincides with the tour's first big mountain stage.
Up to 140 cycling fans will gather at the Hotel Shamrock to watch live coverage of the leg from Grenoble to Risoul, and hear first-hand from riders and support crew who have taken part in the sport's pinnacle race.
Olympic champion and madison committee member Scott McGrory is hosting the event, dubbed "Inside the Peloton", with former Tour stage winner and yellow jersey wearer Bradley McGee the special guest.
There will be live crosses to Stuart O'Grady on the ground in France and Orica Green Edge sport director Matt White in the team car, if circumstances permit.
Recorded messages from central Victorian cyclist Zak Dempster and fellow Aussie Simon Clarke - both former Bendigo madison winners now riding in the 2014 Tour - will also be screened.
The evening will double as the launch of the Bendigo International Madison Hall of Fame and also includes a fund-raising auction for Bendigo teen Braeden Dean, a member of Australia's junior track cycling team.
Dean is preparing to head to Korea for the world junior track championships, after dominating the Australian titles in January.
Among the auction items is an original Australian team jersey signed by track cycling queen Anna Meares.
The social night starts at 6.30pm and is sponsored by the Hotel Shamrock and Feelgood Fitness. Tickets cost $50, including a meal, and are available from ChrisMcCormack@bendigomadison.com.au