Organisers are unlikely to receive a letter from the Queen but the milestone is a triumph that deserves such recognition.

For more than a century, brave riders have jumped on their bikes and pursued victory in arguably Australia’s most cherished cycling race.

Wind, rain, heat, traffic, pot-holed roads and the sheer length of the journey make it an absolute test. Anyone who crosses the finish line in Warrnambool’s Raglan Parade first, richly deserves a place in history.

The Melbourne to Warrnambool is the type of event that creates legends. The event, which was first run in 1895, started at 3am so riders could take advantage of the moonlight. The race’s history is littered with great stories – many captured by long-time race promoter John Craven in a new book simply titled The Warrnambool.

There have been many famous victories but none more popular than those of home-grown riders Michael Lynch in 1986 and Jamie Drew in 1999.

They both carried the hopes of the region and the closer they got to the finish, the louder the cheers became.

It might be the Melbourne to Warrnambool but Warrnambool owns the great race.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the event. It has battled competition, funding and support issues at various times.

The race puts Warrnambool on the international cycling map every year; its economic and tourism benefits are significant beyond one day.

Given cycling’s popularity and fanatical following, is Warrnambool missing a tourism trick? Should the city create a classic museum and really become the ancestral home of Australian cycling?

The course has changed dramatically in recent years but should organisers look at bringing riders into the city through the scenic Logans Beach and Hickford Parade routes before winding their way back to Raglan Parade?

We have opportunities to make this special event even better.

It’s fitting the winner receives a standing ovation each year because it symbolises our appreciation of the unique event and everything that goes into making it happen.

May there be many more.