Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Lead up celebrations for the Herald Sun Tour begin

The lead up to the 2004 Malaysia Airlines Herald Sun Tour has begun with Melbourne Lord Mayor, John So, recently launching the prestigious cycling event, which will conclude in Kay Street, Traralgon on Sunday 24 October 2004.

By Latrobe Shire Council - 14th October 2004 - Back to News

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Darrell White, who took part in the launch in Melbourne said that excitement was mounting in Latrobe City as the event neared.

"Hosting the final stage of the Tour is an historical event for the Latrobe region. In the fifty-two years that the Herald Sun Tour has been running, this is the first time that the final day of the event has been held in Latrobe City. An exciting day will be had by riders and spectators alike, with a kermesse finish, featuring 20 laps of a 2.85km circuit, concluding the event and determining the winner of the Herald Sun Tour. An Active For Life family day will also be held in Traralgon for event spectators," Cr White said.

"Latrobe City is ideally suited to host the final stage of the Herald Sun Cycling Tour, and with our rolling hills and varied environment, the final day will prove to be an exciting conclusion for Tour riders and spectators. The prestigious event will also add another feather in Latrobe City’s cap as an exciting cycling destination, and with the second stage of this year’s Tattersall’s Cup also held in the region, Latrobe City is now becoming synonymous with great cycling," Cr White added.

The 11 day, 1100 kilometre Herald Sun Tour starts on Thursday 14 October in Melbourne, and 85 riders, including internationals from 14 countries, will compete in the event. Athens Olympic gold medallist, Luke Roberts, will ride for the Latrobe City Team, along with fellow Australian cyclist Corey Sweet; Englishman Jeremy Hunt; and German cyclists Bjorn Glasner and David Kopp.

Events Latrobe Manager, Janiene Ayre, said that Luke Roberts has his sight firmly set on winning the event after faltering on the final day of the Tour last year and losing to American cyclist, Tim Johnson.

"Luke is extremely motivated to win the Herald Sun Tour after narrowly missing out on the win last year. Since winning a gold medal in Athens as part of Australia's world record breaking teams pursuit outfit, Luke has quickly reverted back to road cycling, recently competing in a one-day event and a five-day stage race in preparation for the Tour," Janiene explained.

"Luke is also participating in several other road cycling events before the Herald Sun Tour begins, however his family connection with the event has also given him extra motivation to succeed this year. Luke’s father, Wayne, has also competed in the Herald Sun Tour, and came second in the event in 1976," Janiene concluded.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• Join our free Beninette Tour for behind-the-scenes access, event facilities insights, and booking information
  Ever wondered what's really beyond the bricks at Berninneit? Thinking about hiring a space or curious about what's backstage? Join us for a free guided tour and get an insider's look at every space in Berninneit, in just half an hour.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
  Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025.