Stage 1, Hurstville Criterium, 30 kms:

Kempt Field, Saturday, October 23, 1999

The Hurstville criterium is a great start for the event with a major sports carnival being staged in conjunction.

The venue, specifically built by Hurstville City Council to accommodate major cycle race meets, already boasts victories by some great competitors including Jan Ullrich, Jans Koerts and Jay Sweet.

The 555 m course, with its banked corners, 'S' bend and tough climb into the home straight makes for spectacular racing. Especially exciting is the fact that the event will be covered live on national television by the ABC.

The first stage will give a sprinter the opportunity to claim the yellow jersey, but breakaways have determined the race winner in the past.

Tour de France star, Jan Ullrich, won the opening race of the Sanitarium Grand Prix series at Hurstville with a sensational victory the year that he claimed the Commonwealth Bank Cycle Classic overall. Jay Sweet has also provided the crowd with an exciting win in 1997, but last year Jan Koerts proved far too powerful even for Sweet.

The day will also provide a host of sporting activities including: a BMX competition; athletics; beach volleyball; roller blade racing; tug-o-war and trishaw action. The Hurstville Community Committee and Hurstville City Council are sure to attract a great reception for the cyclists and provide the Classic with a wonderful start.

From the archives - Jan Ullrich in 1994