O'Grady to Launceston

Launceston Cycling Classic organisers today Saturday that Stuart O'Grady would attend the fifth edition of the event on December 21. O'Grady has historically supported the Tasmanian event except for last year when he missed his early morning flight out of Adelaide last year. That's when his CSC Saxo Bank teammate Matthew Goss stepped up in his absence and won the race.

The annual event traditionally takes the form of a one and a half hour criterium around the streets of Launceston. This year's race attracted almost-local Robbie McEwen, Matthew Lloyd, Simon Gerrans, Mark Renshaw and Baden Cooke while Sun Tour stage winner Goss and future Française de Jeux pro Wes Sulzburger are likely challengers.

Racers will compete for AUS$20,000 with the winner taking home $5,000. Entries will close on December 15. For more information, visit www.tas.cycling.org.au.