UPGRADE FOR LAUNCESTON-

NEW NORFOLK CLASSIC

The Elgas Launceston to New Norfolk Classic, Australia's most spectacular one day race, will climb to new levels of importance this year, with elevation to National Road Teams Series status.

The classic also has a new major sponsor in Elgas which will open its Tasmanian operations in Launceston shortly.

The third running of the classic 208km race will be held on Sunday, October 2, starting at Country Club Tasmania, Prospect, at 9 a.m.

The classic achieved instant notoriety in its inaugural staging in 2009 when only seven riders survived brutally-tough conditions to complete the exceptionally-challenging course.

The race was a triumph for Tasmania's Bernard Sulzberger who went on to win the Tour of Tasmania held a few days later.

Ballarat's Patrick Shaw slogged to victory in the 2010 classic, before winning the Scody Cup, Australia's most prestigious road cycling series.

The classic, enthusiastically backed by Derwent Valley Council which has its headquarters in New Norfolk, is one of only 11 races nationwide to be included on Cycling Australia's National Road Teams Series calendar.

The 2011 event will also offer special incentives to male Under 23 riders, and women.

Sections for the Under 23 men and open women will be conducted over 143Kms from Launceston to Bothwell.

The Under 23 men will be required to declare whether they are contesting Launceston to New Norfolk or Launceston to Bothwell.

The classic will also feature the prestigious King of Poatina award for the first rider to reach the Poatina summit, sponsored by Caterpillar Underground Mining.

Elgas sales manager for Tasmania, Dale Stacey, said his company was honored to be major sponsor of such a challenging and respected cycling event.

"Elgas is a strong supporter of Tasmanian sport, especially in creating opportunites for young people, and the Launceston to New Norfolk Classic is a wonderfully exciting race, " he said.

Mr. Stacey said Elgas would also sponsor the leading Tasmanian rider award in the six-day Tour of Tasmania, to be held from October 4-9.

Tour director John Craven expects full course details for the Tassie tour to be released next week.

Cycling Tasmania president Noel Pearce described the Launceston to New Norfolk Classic as an event that " all riders should have a crack at.

"It's an unforgettable experience for the riders, officials, sponsors and the media.

"I believe this event is destined for greatness in Australian cycling."

The Launceston to New Norfolk Classic is backed by four municipal councils - Meander Valley, Northern Highlands, Central Highlands and Derwent Valley.

After departing Launceston, the race follows a course through Pateena, Longford, Cressy, Poatina, Arthur's Lake, St. Patrick's Plains, Steppes, Bothwell, Berridale, Hollow Tree, Rosegarland, Gretna and Hayes before finishing at Derwent Valley chambers New Norfolk around 2.30 p.m.

There will be 13 intermediate sprints and seven hill climbs along the route.

Course details in full below.

AUSTRALIA'S MOST SPECTACULAR AND CHALLENGING ONE-DAY BIKE RACE!

PRIZEMONEY: $6000

START:          9 a.m.

                       Country Club Tasmania,

                       Country Club Ave, Prospect Vale.

FINISH:         Approx 2 p.m.

                      Circle St, New Norfolk-

                      oppositeInformation Centre

DISTANCE:   208.2kms 

FULL COURSE DETAILS

(as of May 26, 2011)

Massed start, embracing A, B,C,  & Teams

Sprints:         13

Hill Climbs:    7, including KING OF POATINA, Cat 1

                       with special prizemoney awarded.

Medals:         All riders who complete the course from

                      the cut-off(90min from winners' time),

                      will be awarded a special medal. 

Entries:        CycleSport Victoria

www.vic.cycling.org.au

                           Cycling Tasmania

www.tas.cycling.org.au

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