The Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic continues its facelift, with a shake-up to the race route announced today adding to the date change for the 2019 edition.

Returning to the Cycling Australia National Road Series Calendar after a six month deferral, the event will see riders tackle an entirely different course beginning from Melbourne’s Avalon Airport.

Starting at Avalon for the first time since the race’s inception in 1895, the 262 kilometre race includes 1,734 metres of climbing and is set to take in some of South Western Victoria’s greatest landmarks and towns including the Great Ocean Road.

Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events the Hon. John Eren said: “The Andrews Government is proud to bring the world’s best riders to Victoria for our Summer of Cycling, and it’s fantastic to see the new route for the Melbourne to Warrnambool starting at Avalon Airport and including Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road. There’s never been a better time to enjoy the action.”

After departing from Avalon, riders will make their way past Geelong and through the towns of Winchelsea, Birregurra, Colac, Port Campbell, Peterborough and Allansford racing past landmarks like the Great Ocean Road’s London Bridge and Bay of Islands before arriving in Warrnambool. The race will enter Warrnambool via Hopkins Point Road in sight of Warrnambool’s famous Logans Beach and finish on Raglan Parade.

Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee Chair Shane Wilson: “What better way to showcase the beauty of South West Victoria than with the iconic Warrny. Bring on next February when the best cyclists will battle it out for line honours on Raglan Parade.”

Powercor Field Leader Brett Cahill: “We have the pleasure of working in this beautiful region every day. We also know a lot about the huge challenges that can face the riders in the Classic come rain, hail, wind or shine.  Either way it will be a great event for our local team and everyone in the community to enjoy.”

Cycling Victoria President Lisa Byrne: “The announcement of the course is another step in the three year reinvigoration of the event, and follows on from the change of date and the securing of naming rights sponsor in Powercor.

“The Melbourne to Warrnambool is an important and historic event in our national cycling landscape and Cycling Victoria is committed to continuing its growth as a world class race.”