2020 Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic Preview

  • By: AusCycling
  • Feb 10, 2020
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Overview

The 2020 Cycling Australia National Road Series gets underway on Saturday the February 15 with the 104th edition of the Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic. The 2020 series consists of 15 elite men’s and women’s races separated into the one-day Classics that takes place between February and May followed by the Tours between July and November. 

Coming in at 267km in total with just over 1700m in elevation, rider’s strength and endurance will be put to the test as they take in some of South Western Victoria’s greatest landmarks and towns including the Great Ocean Road and Port Campbell. 

After the peloton leaves Avalon Airport, they will face some tough rolling terrain including a gruelling three-kilometre King of the Mountain challenge at the 115km mark, just outside of Colac.

Riders then drop down towards the Great Ocean Road and travel along this iconic stretch of road from Port Campbell. Here the peloton will be met by typical coastal winds of the region which will make the racing hard going on the run to the finish in Warrnambool.

Riders To Watch

Ben Hill – Team BridgeLane

Following his hot form in the recent Jayco Herald Sun Tour where he featured in the break for each stage. It won’t be a question of form or fitness but a question of whether Hill’s legs will recover in time for the mammoth race that is the Melbourne to Warrnambool. 

Michael Freiberg – ARA Pro Cycling Sunshine Coast

If the race comes down to a reduced kick, it would be hard to not be looking towards the 2019 National Champion. Showing that he is more than capable of holding his own within a break and tackling the occasional berg this may be the year for the former national champ.

Carter Turnbull – InForm TM Insight MAKE

It’s been a successful summer of cycling for young Turnbull, claiming both the KOM Jersey and the Sprint Jersey at the recent Cadel Evans Road Race, as a part of the KordaMentha National Team, as well as claiming third place in the U23 ITT at the Australian Road Nationals. It will be worth keeping an eye on the young 19-year-old who is showing experience and skill beyond his years and could be a real threat to the peloton. 

Jay Vine – Nero Continental

Placing fifth overall in GC at the Jayco Herald Sun Tour and not unknown for being able to hold his own in a break. The 2019 dual NRS tour winner will be eyeing up the series opener as a golden opportunity to stake an early claim on the NRS leaders competition and insert his name into the history books.

The Course

Follow the race at:

Catch the full race at the Warrnambool Rave Village which will show the full race broadcast on the large screen. You can also tune in to 3YB for live crosses straight from the action!

 #M2W20 & NRS20
NRS Instagram & NRS Twitter

Be sure to catch the full race recap on SBS – Sunday February 23, 17:00 AEDT