L: Denis Napthine, C: Matthew Lloyd, R: Hugh Delahunty

STATE GOVERNMENT BACKS

“WARRNAMBOOL” FOR $200,000

The time-honored Eastern Oak Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic has received a huge boost with an announcement by Sport and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty that the State Government will contribute $200,000 to the event over the next four years.

Speaking at the 116-year-old classic’s media/sponsor launch at Werribee racecourse, Mr. Delahunty said the funding was part of the Government’s 2010 election commitment to the race.

“This funding boost secures the future of the event for the next four years,” he said.

“It will ensure that Australia’s oldest one-day road cycling event continues to thrive and provide a launch pad for the next generation of road cycling heroes.”

The funding injection started with $50,000 for the 2011 classic, and will continue in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The announcement was welcomed by Warrnambool Citizens’ Road Race Committee president Brendan Gleeson who congratulated the Government on its support for one of Australia’s greatest and best-known regional sports events.

“This financial backing is a tremendous morale-booster for our hard-working committee and all associated with the classic,” he said.

“The Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic is an Australian sports institution.

“You’ve only got to look at the honor board – names like Sir Hubert Opperman, Russell Mockridge, Billy Guyatt, Dean Woods, Simon Gerrans and numerous other cycling greats are up there.”

The classic was founded in 1895 and is the world’s second-oldest bike race. It starts at Werribee racecourse in the Wyndham City municipality.

At 262kms, it is the Southern Hemisphere’s longest one-day cycling race and in 2011 attracted a massive 210 entries, the largest since it became a massed-start event in 1996.

The classic is now followed on Sunday with the Independent Crane Hire Shipwreck Coast Classic, starting at Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill.

FANCY A TRIP TO FRANCE?

Have you ever dreamed of being caught up in all the color and excitement of cheering on Robbie McEwen or Mark Cavendish in the sprint of their lives across the Tour de France finish line… or entertained the idea of strolling along one of the world’s most beautiful avenues ~ the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Here’s your chance – by becoming a member of the 2011 Melbourne to Warrnambool Society you can be in the draw of a lifetime to win a trip to the finish of the 2012 Tour de France! - with five nights’ accommodation in Paris. Or you can choose to take $4000.

There are also lots of other great prizes to be won and countless benefits for you to enjoy as a society member.

This coterie Society has provided the Classic with invaluable support. Hundreds of local businesses have made a commitment to ensuring that Australia’s oldest bike race continues to flourish.

From the international elite rider to the club weekender, the “Warrnambool”  to be held on October 29, is revered and respected as the greatest challenge – records made and broken, stars discovered, names etched in the history books.

The real heroes are the people making a commitment to support its future. Without the support from the Melbourne to Warrnambool Society, this event could not continue to break records.

The Society is restricted to 250 memberships. Each membership is worth $250 inc GST. For this investment, your community spirit is highlighted and you will be in the running to win a fabulous array of prizes and benefits.

Remember – you can help enormously by becoming a member today – perhaps you may wish to join up a friend and receive a $50 discount on your membership.

If you would like to know more about the Society and the benefits to you in becoming a member, or would like some information about the Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic, please do not hesitate to contact us:info@caribou.net.au

A list of benefits is outlined below.

Melbourne to Warrnambool Society Benefits include:

• A ticket in the draw for 10 attractive prizes, including a trip-for-two to the finish of the 2012 Tour de France or $4,000.
• Presentation of a Melbourne to Warrnambool Society gift.
• Invitation to the Melbourne to Warrnambool Society prize draw cocktail party. (Date TBA).
• Invitation to attend the corporate marquee on the finish-line of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic. (Saturday, October 29.)
• Identification in the official race program.
• Certificate of Appreciation to hang in your office/home.
• Opportunity for members to be seen by the Warrnambool / cycling community and commercial business sector as making a constructive contribution to the preservation and promotion of an Australian sports icon.
• Networking opportunities with other society members and event sponsors.

To become a welcomed member, please complete the attached application form.

THE COURSE

(as of March 4, 2011)