Launceston Cycling Classic returns in December

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Chairman of the Launceston (Tasmania) cycling classic steering committee Hugh McKenzie announced this week that the highly successful criterium style cycling classic would return to the streets of Launceston on the 23rd of December following a break a break of two years.

Tour de France 2007 runner-up and 2007 ProTour champion Cadel Evans along with previous Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen and Paris-Roubaix champion Stuart O'Grady are amongst the field of up to 80 riders who have confirmed for the event. "This is a huge coup for the event and for the city," said McKenzie.

Gunns Mitre 10 will again be the naming rights sponsor for the event. Other corporate partners include Cascade Breweries, Mercure Hotels, the National Australia Bank, Southern Cross TV and The Examiner Newspaper, together with a number of local businesses. "It's great to see Launceston's business community, as well as the Launceston City Council and both State and Federal Government, combining to make this one of Australia's richest and most exciting cycling events," McKenzie said.

The Criterium will start at the Town Hall in St John Street. Riders will travel down to Williams Street where riders will turn right, passing Launceston's iconic Boag's Brewery before entering George Street, proceeding to York Street then turning back into St John Street for the down hill run to Town Hall.