The Aussie summer of cycling is now well underway and has us feeling very enthused to get back at it, on tour.
First up for 2019, we’re heading South for The Santos Tour Down Under, closely followed by the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Melbourne.
Former champion of the Sun Tour, Stuart O’Grady will be taking a trip down memory lane early February (2nd - 3rd) to lead our Jayco Herald Sun Tour Weekender experience and witness what is predicted to be one serious final showdown of racing.
We will be arriving at prime action time to experience the ‘Queen’ Stage first-hand and soak it all up as some of the world’s best cyclists battle it out up the iconic Arthurs Seat.
The race last visited the challenging climb back in 2016 and included three ascents throughout the Stage. In 2019, they’re taking it to another level with the peloton facing the daring ascent a cruel five times.
Although not overly long at 3km, it averages a relentless 8% and following the opening three days of racing, as well as some predicted hot Aussie summer conditions - it will no doubt be causing some serious damage to the race and could well be a real game-changer to the final standings.
The 129.4km stage will depart from Cape Schanck, before approaching the undulating, picturesque Mornington Peninsula which travels into the base of the climb. They will then tackle four laps of a 16km circuit, before taking on the ascent for one last hurrah to fight it out for the stage victory in what is certain to be a dramatic summit finish.
For us at Mummu Cycling, we’ll be enjoying a slightly more relaxed ride than the peloton, setting out from Frankston, via Mornington and along the Esplanade that hugs the coastline to Dromana, where we will hit Arthurs Seat ourselves, followed by a full lap of the course. This will allow the chance to get a real taste as to what the pro’s are in for and the stage that lies ahead. To emphasise this, we’ll tackle the climb once more - just to really get the legs firing! The reward atop will be well worth a bit of suffering, as we then kick back at the summit finish-line over some drinks and a bite, enjoy the views and await the peloton from VIP hospitality.
The following day, the race will conclude with a thrilling circuit race right in the heart of Melbourne, around the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens and alongside the Yarra River.
The 89km stage will consist of 22 laps of a challenging 4km circuit that will certainly be no easy feat for the eventual winner. Included in each circuit in the final km, lies the steep kicker of Anderson St hill. Could we see a sprinter storm to an emphatic final stage victory, or will it be one for the breakaway? And ultimately, who will be heading away with the Yellow jersey on their back…
With the likes of Mitchelton-SCOTT, Team Sky, Trek-Segafredo and EF Pro Cycling all set to hit the start-line, alongside some hot young Aussie talent - it’s sure to be a great one.
At Mummu Cycling, to prepare for another big day of bike racing at its best, we’ll be setting out on bikes ahead of the race for a famous ‘Beach Road’ lap before returning to the Botanic Gardens to participate in Ride Melbourne. This will place us right in the heart of the race course and will provide the perfect opportunity to cut some laps ahead of the pro’s.
We will then relax and enjoy a roadside picnic, within close proximity to the finish line, ensuring prime positioning for a day of serious race entertainment.
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