The Victorian Institute of Sport amateur team will lead the charge against the professionals. Malcolm Elliot, from the Chevrolet L.A. Sherriff's team will ride. Other US pro peleton riders include NZ's Graeme Millar, four time Tour of France finisher Andy Bishop, and US Pro Road Champ, Norm Alvis. Last year's winner, Marcel Wust is again racing and says he is in good form.
The route covers three states and starts in the Sunraysia region on the Victorian/NSW border at Mildura (NW of Melbourne). This is a large citrus growing area. After 4 flat days along the grand Murray River and down to central Victoria, the race takes a boat ride to Tasmania for 3 days in the Tasmanian mountains. The final 3 days are in the hills of Victoria, including the feared alpine climb of Mt. Buller.
The final stage will be a crit. on the now controversial Albert Park site, which the Victorian government has remodelled to house the Australian Formula One GP next year. Local environmentalists have been trying to stop the destruction of the park which is (was) one of Melbourne's best family recreation areas. There are decidedly less trees there now, thanks to the vandalistic new-right Victorian Government. Political comment is necessary even in a bike results homepage.
Total Distance = 1,203.5 kms. Total Number of Sprints = 131, Hill Climbs = 23, Prize Money = $A100,000.