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Latrobe City To Host Final Stage Of Herald Sun Tour Latrobe City has been selected to host the final stage of this year’s Herald Sun Tour, the Southern Hemisphere’s longest running and most prestigious cycling classic. By news@gippsland - 28th May 2004 - Back to News Announcing the coup, Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Darrell White, said that hosting an auspicious event such as the stage finish of the Herald Sun Tour was a huge boost to the local economy and a chance to attract visitors to the City.
"The Tour attracts a multitude of visitors and around 80 of the world’s top cyclists, including those who have competed at the highest international levels in Olympic Games and Tour de France," Cr White explained.
"While we have been actively involved in the Herald Sun Tour on several previous occasions, this is the first time the excitement of the final stage will be experienced in our region. This is going to be an exciting moment in municipal sporting history," Cr White said.
Events Latrobe Manager, Janiene Ayre, said the Herald Sun Tour was being staged over eleven days through rural and metropolitan Victoria.
"Beginning in Melbourne on 14 October and travelling around the state, the entire tour takes in some 1100 kilometres of riding completing in 13 Stages. The final stage, a Kermesse, is to be held in Traralgon on Sunday 24 October 2004," Ms Ayre revealed.
"The Kermesse is a twenty-lap, 2.85km circuit, with sprints at the end of laps. The Kermesse circuit starts in Kay Street Traralgon opposite St Michaels Church, travels westwards, climbing Kay Street, turns at Finlayson Court and returns to the start. By the twentieth climb, the huddle of riders taking the lead is likely to include only those at the very peak of their performance, and the final descent is likely to present an absolutely thrilling climax to the stage and in fact the whole Herald Sun Tour," Ms Ayre said.
"The day will also take on a carnival atmosphere with other exciting activities taking place such as the annual Active For Life Free Family Fun Day. This is going to be an event not only for cycling enthusiasts, but for the whole family," Ms Ayre said.
VicHealth CEO, Dr Rob Moodie, said that as part of their sponsorship of the Herald Sun Tour, VicHealth is particularly proud to be involved in the Active For Life Free Family Fun Day which is the culmination of the event.
"It is important to remember that we don’t all have to be champion athletes. It’s also about having fun. The friendships, team connections and sense of achievement gained from participating in your favourite sport and physical activity is good for both our physical health as well as our mental health," Dr Moodie said.
Ms Ayre said the Herald Sun Tour route was changed annually and this year’s race commences with Stage 1 being a criterium in Lygon Street Melbourne.
"Stage 2 and 3 are both being held in Werribee with a Criterium and a stage from Werribee to the You Yangs. Stage 4 will be held in Portarlington. Stage 5 is being held in Geelong with a Kermesse. Stage 6 starts at Colac with the tour of the Otways. Stage 7 is Creswick to Daylesford. Stage 8 is another Kermesse at Bendigo. Stage 9 is from Nagambie to Mansfield. Stage 10 will be a criterium in Mansfield, followed by Stage 11 from Mansfield to Jamieson.
"Stage 12 sees the race move to Warragul for the ride from Warragul to Mt Baw Baw a very gruelling ride; with Stage 13, the exciting finish with a crowd-pleasing Kermesse being fought out here in Latrobe City in Traralgon," Ms Ayre said.
Herald Sun Tour director John Craven said Latrobe City had earned the right to host the event’s grand finale.
"The Latrobe region has enjoyed a rich and colourful association with the tour since its foundation in 1952.
"I have no doubt that the final stage in Traralgon will be a huge success," Craven said.
"The Latrobe City Council is wonderfully enthusiastic about this project and it will be a big winner for the region and the Herald Sun Tour."
Adding to the announcement that the final stage had been secured for Latrobe, Councillor White said Latrobe City was also negotiating to secure a team of riders to represent the municipality throughout the tour.
"Securing a team riding for Latrobe, will provide the community with an exciting means of getting involved in this year’s Herald Sun Tour. The community will be able to follow the progress of their own team of riders as they overcome the challenges of the various stages on a day-to-day basis. We look forward to formally announcing our team in the near future," Cr White said.
"We are truly thrilled at our involvement in this year’s Herald Sun Tour. We look forward to welcoming the additional visitors to our region and the opportunity to showcase what Latrobe has to offer to interstate and international audiences," Cr White concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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