Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic

Organisers of the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic say all plans are on schedule with just over two weeks until the race. New major sponsor BK Oliver Home hardware is on board for the 47th edition.

The Grafton to Inverell is touted to be Australia's toughest one day cycle race and has been consistently attracting field of 180 riders, and this looks set to continue. With $20,000 in prize money on offer the race attracts many riders. Entries have been rolling in ahead of this weekends closing date and are expected to continue into next week.

Organisers have made some changes to the race format for this year. They have axed the D grade section and added an extra 10 paid-placings to the C grade category prize list. C grade will start its 228-kilometre trek from Grafton at 7:30. The A & B grades have been combined this year and will depart Grafton at 8:15.

Riders also have the option of entering as part of a team in all grades. Organisers have added a team's category for C grade and the combined A and B grades. Teams can have a maximum of five riders. The first three riders to finish in each team will have their finishing times count towards the team result with the fastest combined team being awarded the win. The winning teams in each grade will take home $500 for their efforts.