The Melbourne to Warrnambool cycling classic – the world's second oldest bike race – will undergo evolutionary change this year when the event becomes a teams race.

For 113 years, riders have entered as individuals. On October 25, the 300km classic will have a distinct Tour de France flavor. Competitors from same teams will be able to legally assist each other.

Race director John Craven said the change was part of the progressive development of Australian cycling.

"Cycling is booming in this country and riders, sponsors and governing bodies requested a new system," Craven said.

"It means that riders from the same sponsored trade teams can legitimately exchange equipment and food along the route and also help each other when fatigue sets in."

The classic, which is also the world's longest one-day bike race, will start for the second time at the Sanctuary Lakes Resort in the Wyndham City municipality at 7.30 a.m. on the last Saturday in October.

A contingent of former winners and Melbourne to Warrnambool legends will meet at Sanctuary Lakes on Monday, September 15, to relive their memories.

They include popular Bendigo rider Tim Decker, who won the 2007 classic at his 14th attempt, Bill Dove ( 1965), John Bylsma (1974), John Hine (1980) and David McKenzie (2001).

Sanctuary Lakes general manager Ross Williamson said the resort was delighted to again host the race start.

"The Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic is a legendary event in Australian sport," he said. "Sanctuary Lakes is deeply committed to supporting our local community and it's wonderful that so many champion cyclists will be at our resort for the race start.

"These cyclists are role models for our children and I am sure we will have a great Turn-out of residents to farewell them on their long journey."

Mr Williamson advised that Sanctuary Lakes would be showcasing memorabilia at the Clubhouse leading up to the 2008 Classic and welcomed any cycling enthusiasts to come and see the event's proud heritage on display.

Wyndham City Council and associated sponsors from within the municipality will play a leading role in the staging of the 2008 classic.

Wyndham City will continue its naming rights association with the Victorian 200km championship which is conducted in conjunction with the classic, and SEW Eurodrive will have naming rights to the prestigious sprint category.

There are 24 intermediate sprints and six hill climbs along the course.

The Melbourne to Warrnambool has been contested by some of the all-time greats of Australian cycling since its foundation in 1895.

Sir Hubert Opperman, Russell Mockridge, Billy Guyatt and Dean Woods are some of the more recognisable names on the classic's honor board.

The classic is the fifth and final event on Cycling Australia's new national teams competition.

The series commenced with the Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland from July 30 – August 3, followed with the Timbercorp Tour of the Murray River from August 31 – September 7, will continue with the Goulburn to Citi later this month, then the Caterpillar Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania from September 30 – October 5.

Prominent teams throughout the first two legs of the series have been Jayco-VIS, Virgin Blue, Budget Forklifts, Praties, Savings and Loans and NSWIS.

A field of approximately 200 riders is expected to line up at Sanctuary Lakes on October 25, for the "Warrnambool."

SBS television will make a 30-minute documentary of the event.

Sourced from: http://www.cycling.org.au/site/cycling/national/downloads/National%20Road%20Series/News/Warrnambool_Classic_a_Teams_Race.pdf