Melbourne-Warrnambool

The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic is the oldest cycling race in Australia and the second longest running one-day cycling event in the world.
The Classic was first held in 1895 as a result of a bet, which prompted a group of 24 pioneer cyclists to pedal the then horror road, now known as the Princess Highway. The concept of a bicycle race battling the elements of the southern Victorian coast has always been a source of admiration for those who participated, in particular those winning the race or completing it in the fastest time. World champions have embarked upon this challenge and to this day it remains as the hallmark of any bike rider to complete the course within the allotted time.
The great improvement in the course surface and in cycling equipment, plus the scientific approach to training and fitness has seen the turn of the century completion times more than halved to the current day record time of 5 hours 12 minutes 26 seconds. From 1895 to 1995 the race was a handicap event with riders leaving Melbourne at different intervals.
The Classic then underwent a number of changes to ensure its future as a blue ribbon event for Victoria.
'The Warrnambool' is now conducted as a scratch race with a mass start and caters for up to 250 riders.
The race is conducted over the 275 km. course and caters for cyclists of all abilities with riders being categorized into A, B, C, and D grades. Sprints are held in towns on route and the sprint champion and overall winners are recognised in each of the grades at the race's conclusion. The recently introduced King of the Mountains Championship has provided further challenge to this endurance event.
In the years 1996 to 1998 the race began in the Bourke St Mall, Melbourne and travelled along the Princess Highway to Warrnambool.
To ensure the safety of the riders and to provide the best amenities for riders, organisers, handlers and patrons the race in 2002 started at the Kooringal Golf Club in Altona and avoided the Princess Highway until Mt. Moriac.
Throughout the years, many people have contributed to the organisation of the Classic. Over the race's 107 year history, hundreds of volunteer committee members, race day volunteers, local businesses and service groups have worked with great passion to ensure that the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic has survived the many challenges which has now become the most celebrated one day cycling race in the Country.
We are indebted to those pioneers of the Classic for their belief in, their commitment to and that great passion for what has become a National Sporting Icon.
To acknowledge the efforts of many of these pioneers an honour board carrying the names of all life members and past executive members was erected at the finish line. This honour board donated by past chairman Wayne Nelson was unveiled during the pre finish celebrations of the 2001 classic. Wayne Nelson received a Life Membership of the Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee during this year's finish celebrations.
The Melbourne to Warrnambool has had a long association with Radio 3YB now ACE Radio 3YB. For 42 concessive years the team from YB have relayed the story as each years race has unfolded. From Panmure to the finish they provide an on the spot broadcast of the race, its tactics, its challenges and the excitement that bring thousands of people to cheer on route and at the finish line. This live radio coverage is one of the wonderful traditions of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic.
Cyclists from all over Australia and now some from overseas place the 'Warrny' on their 'must do' events. Not to win but to finish.
Each finisher in the allotted time receives a 'Time Medallion' presented by the Warrnambool City Council in recognition of their effort. To cyclists this 'Time Medallion' is a treasured trophy.
Traditionally the Melbourne to Warrnambool captures the imagination of spectators along the route, which this year commenced at Altona and makes its way through the hills of Ceres and through the many cities and towns along the Princes Highway to Warrnambool.
Olympic representative Dean Woods holds the record time for the race of 5 hours and 12 minutes in 1990.
For the Classic's centenary in 1995 a monument was erected in the race's honour, unveiled by cycling's great Sir Hubert Opperman. This is a monument to all the winners over its long history and is situated at the finish line on Raglan Parade. In 2001 an honour board was erected to acknowledge the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the longevity of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic.
Over the race's history the financial struggle to run the race has not abated. Prize money, other race expenses and the desire to present a carnival atmosphere for the riders and spectators at the finish provide the organising committee with ongoing challenges.
The Warrnambool City Council has over the years made a financial and inkind commitment to the Classic. This contribution has been vital to the survival of the race. The Classic has had a number of major sponsors over its long history. TABCORP through its three Warrnambool Tabaret Venues, the Whalers Inn, the Warrnambool Bowls Club and the Warrnambool Football Club joined the Classic as a Supporting Sponsor in 2000, increased their commitment in 2001 to become the naming sponsors of the Classic. The 'Tabaret Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic'. In 2002 TABCORP and the Tabaret Venues made a further commitment to the Classic. They increased their financial and professional involvement and committed to the major sponsorship until 2004. This has been a major boost for the Classic.
Major supporting sponsors ACE Radio 3YB, Win TV, The Standard, Kooringal Golf Club, Telstra Country Wide, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, and Calco Timbers have been great financial and inkind sponsors for a number of years.
History beckoned for Warrnambool rider Jamie Drew in the 83rd running of the Classic. Only one Warrnambool rider had triumphed in the 104 year history of the race-Michael Lynch off scratch in 1986.1999 was a memorable year for Jamie Drew, became the 2nd Warrnambool rider to win the Melbourne to Warrnambool cycling classic, and was 3rd in the Australian road titles.
As Drew won his second Warrnambool Classic in 2002 others have come close including runners-up Jim Dart and Terry Stacey, but it has been a long time since the city has counted on one of its riders among the favorites. The 2002 Cycling Classic was won by Jamie Drew, in a time of six hours nine minutes and 57 seconds.
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