Hundreds of mountain bike riders are expected to wheel in to Omeo in a month’s time for an inaugural 100-mile race.
In what will be one of the first major events post-COVID-19 restrictions, the Omeo Cattlemen 100 MTB (mountain bike) will encompass 160 kilometres of back roads and gravel roads, mostly known only to locals, from the Omeo Valley through to Benambra.
Former professional cyclist and Omeo local, Christophe Stevens, is the event director, and his aim is to showcase the region well past the Great Alpine Road.
“It’s a beautiful part of the world, I’m surprised no one has bike races up here already,” Mr Stevens said.
The expressions of interest already stand at 118 riders, despite the uncertainties of COVID-19.
Event manager, Elise Pendergast, said everyone was keen to support community events.
“We think the timing is right, everyone is itching to get out,” Ms Pendergast said.
“We’re offering a full refund if we can’t run but we’re flexible enough to change dates depending on restrictions.
“We have a COVID-19 safe plan which will be closely monitored.”
The race has a 12-hour cut off time and the elevation is 3650 metres, or 12,000 feet, which will take riders over Mount Gingee Munjie and Splitters Range, around Lake Omeo in Benambra and back to Omeo over Mount Sam.
Mr Stevens is a previous winner of the Australian event, the Crocodile Trophy, and his international connections meant the event was announced during the 2020 Tour de France, after which expressions of interest increased rapidly.
The Omeo event is based on an American race started by a small community that has grown to be one of the most well-known in the world, the Leadville 100 MTB, in the US Midwest.
Already postponed from November 1, the regional cycling event has the backing of the East GIppsland Shire Council and is being run under the banner of the Alps Links Regional Communities Development Association Inc’s banner.
The Omeo Cattlemen 100MTB will take place on Saturday, November 28, from 7am to 7pm.
IMAGE: Christophe Stevens and Elise Pendergast
