Macedon Ranges teams classic

The Australian state of Victoria is staging a European-style teams race in Newham this Saturday, May 27. A total of 20 teams of seven riders will compete over four laps of a 30 km circuit in the inaugural Macedon Ranges teams classic.

In the Sponsored/Corporate section, it will be hot competition amongst the 13 teams. On paper, the Victorian Institute of Sport team looks a tough outfit to beat with three recently named team members for the upcoming 2006 Junior World Championships included. Leigh Howard, William Ford and Nicholas Walker, brother of Victorian sensation William, will headline the team which also includes former U23 Australian rider David Pell.

Former Australian Road & Tattersall's Cup Champion Robert Tighello will lead the Richmond Cyclery Team with fellow well performing Victorian Daniel Braunsteins. Other riders entered include Tim Decker (Decked Out Coaching), Ashley Baines (Barry Bros), champion deaf cyclist Reece Emerson Van Beek (Freedom Machine), who will join an array of new and young riders, many of whom are entering their very first open.

On the club scene, five of the biggest clubs in not only Victoria, but Australia - Carnegie, Bendigo, Footscray, Blackburn and Brunswick - have entered and the seven teams will battle it out for the unofficial bragging rights of best Victorian club team.

The event will also feature two support events: A 60km masters graded scratch race, plus a 60km women's scratch race.

The CEO of CycleSport Victoria Ian Maher commented, "This could be the beginning of a exciting new concept which will allow riders of ranging abilities to participate in high quality events against the best riders in the country. It will also allow sponsors to become more involved in cycling which will only help the sport grow in the future."