A 228 kilometre trek with 3382 metres of climbing, the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic is a punishing race at the best of times; but this year a cold snap is expected to push riders to their limits.
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A strong field of 350 riders will leave Grafton’s Memorial Park from 7:15am on Saturday, May 12, kicking off the Cycling Australia National Road Series. They will begin rolling in to Inverell around 1-1.30pm, to be greeted at Victoria Park by crowds enjoying the Multicultural Festival.
With just a maximum of 12 degrees predicted for Glen Innes, chilly weather and wet winds will add to the challenge of the Gibraltar Range climb.
“The body uses a lot of energy to warm itself,” Peter Sunderland said. A former event organiser, Sunderland has taken on the Classic himself, and knows the course’s obstacles well.
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He said the riders, who will be feeling warm as they slowly climb the mountain, will face a shock to the system unless they put on more layers at the peak.
A scramble at the Mount Mitchell feed zone is expected, as the B and C grades, without the luxury of support teams, will need to gather extra clothes.
“The race record is pretty safe,” Sunderland said.
Last year’s winner and record holder Neil Van der Ploeg will not be competing, but his team, now Bennelong Swiss Wellness, is sure to show a strong front.
Major contenders for the A grade win include 2016 winner Pat Lane, previous podium finisher and dual Melbourne to Warrnambool winner Nathan Elliot, previous King of the Mountain Classification winner Sam Crome and Commonwealth Games Track Gold medallist Alex Porter.
Sunderland tipped Cyrus Monk, the under-23 national road race champion as a possible front runner, after also making the top 10 in the under-23 Tour of Flanders in Belgium.
Local Ryan Thomas is in with a shot, after finishing 13th in last year’s fast-paced race.
Sunderland felt Tim Hoy, who has reached the podium several times, was a strong contender in the B grade.
The second year of the Grafton to Inverell des Femmes sees a strong field assembled for the women’s category race. Event director Chris Thompson said he believes it could be the longest cycle race for women in the world.
The challenge category will also see non-competitive cyclists take on the tough course, aiming to finish in under 9 hours, 30 minutes.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
