Riders were largely kept off the Princes Highway in 2013, with the Cobden-Warrnambool Road used — a decision which upset long-time spectators in Terang. But the course for October’s 99th road race ignores the Cobden-Warrnambool Road and continues from Cobden on the Cobden-Terang Road. It rejoin the Princes Highway in Terang. 

Riders will leave the highway at Ayresford Road, travelling to Panmure via Howards Road, Garvoc-Laang Road and Heathmarsh Road, then rejoin the highway.  

The reworked course extends the race to 273 kilometres, up from 256 kilometres last year. A 10-kilometre “neutral zone” at the start means riders are faced with a mammoth 280-kilometre trek. 

The race again forms part of the National Road Series, the pinnacle of amateur cycling in Australia. 

Race director John Trevorrow said about 250 riders contested last year’s race and similar numbers were expected on October 11. 

“With the National Road Series producing such competitive racing, the 2014 Melbourne to Warrnambool looks set to be one heck of a bike race,” he said. 

“I have fond memories of “the Warrny”, although I never managed to win it. I would gladly swap one of my Sun Tour victories or Australian titles to have a Warrny win on my resume.”

Premier and Member for South West Coast Denis Napthine launched the classic at Parliament House yesterday. 

“I remember growing up in Winchelsea. We would ride our bikes from the farm down to the highway to watch the riders go past,” Napthine said. 

“This is one of the most iconic cycle races on the calendar and takes in some of the most picturesque parts of western Victoria.

“The unique uphill sprint finish in Warrnambool brings out the best in the best performers. To go into sprint mode after 270 kilometres is an enormous challenge.”

Former race director John Craven thanked the Premier for his continued support of the event, especially over the past four years with the state government contributing $50,000 annually. 

“Without that support, I don’t know where we would be,” Craven said. 

“Twenty years ago the Warrnambool Citizens Road Race Committee were struggling to get the funds to run the race.

“We sent letters out to people asking them to contribute $250 and become part of the Melbourne to Warrnambool society. 

“The first response we received was from the local member, Denis Napthine, and his support has continued ever since.”

Napthine said about 11,000 people were expected to visit Warrnambool for the event, with more than 80 per cent of entrants, support staff and supporters staying overnight and spending about $250 each.