At an unthinkable 300 Kilometres, the Melbourne to Warrnambool Road Race is the world’s longest one day race.  Esteemed in Australian and Victorian road racing history, this is one of the true epics that shape our domestic road racing calendar. It's a classic race in it's own right.

History:
The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic is the oldest cycling race in Australia and the second longest running one-day cycling event in the world.

The Classic was first held in 1895 as a result of a bet, which prompted a group of 24 pioneer cyclists to pedal the then horror road, now known as the Princess Highway. The concept of a bicycle race battling the elements of the southern Victorian coast has always been a source of admiration for those who participated, in particular those winning the race or completing it in the fastest time. World champions have embarked upon this challenge and to this day it remains as the hallmark of any bike rider to complete the course within the allotted time.

The great improvement in the course surface and in cycling equipment, plus the scientific approach to training and fitness has seen the turn of the century completion times more than halved to the current day record time of 5 hours 12 minutes 26 seconds. From 1895 to 1995 the race was a handicap event with riders leaving Melbourne at different intervals.

The Classic then underwent a number of changes to ensure its future as a blue ribbon event for Victoria.
‘The Warrnambool’ is now conducted as a scratch race with a mass start and caters for up to 250 riders.

The race is conducted over the 300 km. course and caters for cyclists of all abilities with riders being categorised into A, B, C, and D grades. Sprints are held in towns on route and the sprint champion and overall winners are recognised in each of the grades at the race’s conclusion. The recently introduced King of the Mountains Championship has provided further challenge to this endurance event.

One of the features of the Melbourne to Warrnambool is that all grades (A-D) start together, so whether you intend to race all the way with the big guns, or form your own group simply to finish, this race has something for everyone.

For those that complete the course within two hours of the winners’ time, there is also a prestigious and timeless finisher’s medallion on offer.

It’s now 9 weeks until the race, which will be held on the 25th of October 2008 and we are guessing this might just be a race you have always wanted to try but not sure where to start.

How to train for Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic:
At Cycling Inform we are committed to helping cyclists of all abilities achieve the cycling goals and we know preparation is the key to being successful. This year, for the first time, we are very pleased to provide specific personal consulting and training services to aid in your preparation specifically for this race.

Whether you want to know exactly how you prepare in the last 9 weeks, or what to expect in the race in terms of support, our specialist services will be of value in providing the critical and expert advice you need to get to Warrnambool.  

Imagine the sense of accomplishment of riding into Raglan Parade Warrnambool knowing you have just been a part of Australian cycling history.

Contact David Heatley or Brendan Rowbotham for further information by clicking here