The 2017 Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic will be the second round of this year’s Subaru National Road Series (NRS).
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The race will continue with an autumn date of May 13 after the success of 2016 that saw increased numbers of riders across all grades after the event was moved from its traditional spring timeslot.
The event will again feature three divisions of races with the addition of two new categories to increase the participation opportunities for riders.
The Regional Australia Bank Grafton to Inverell des Femmes provides an opportunity for the women to have their own race category within the Division 3 race.
The ‘Challenge’ category will enable ‘non-racing’ riders to also be part of the action as they aim to complete the course in under the 9hr 30 min cut off time.
We are extending the opportunity to experience this event to more of the cycling community.
- Chris Thompson
“The Grafton to Inverell is such an iconic event that is extremely challenging but also very rewarding just to finish,” event director Chris Thompson said.
“We are extending the opportunity to experience this event to more of the cycling community.
“The introduction of women a couple of years ago has been a resounding success and it is great that they now have their own category.”
Chris said the Classic was a rare opportunity for women in a race of this distance anywhere in the world.
The Men’s Division 1 race remains one of the most prestigious titles on the NRS calendar.
The race, in its 57th edition, has featured many past winners and placegetters who have gone on to become a force in international cycling.
Last year, the favourable May conditions saw Victorian, Pat Lane become the first rider to break 6 hours for the 228km journey.
“We are hopeful of another very strong field in the NRS Division 1 race with teams and riders looking to take advantage of the opportunity to accumulate early points in the series,” Mr Thompson said.
“The riders will need to come well-prepared as such a challenging, one day classic is sure to test the field. The prospect for good fields in the other divisions is equally exciting.”
Chris said feedback from 2016 riders supported the earlier date, allowing them to enjoy better training conditions leading into the race. Entries are now open, at www.graftontoinverell.com.au.
