But for Portland-based cyclist Dylan Lindsey, they could provide the perfect boost.

Preparing for the Tour of the Great South Coast, the 23-year-old Anchor Point South Coast racer is forming part of a six-strong team brimming with south-west talent.

Lindsey, the son of 1983 Melbourne to Warrnambool winner Andrew, had enjoyed uninterrupted preparation for the six-stage tour.

“I’ve been fortunate enough this year to have enough time to have a really good lead into this tour,” he told The Standard.

“I’ve had uni break the last four weeks which has allowed me to put all my focus into this race.”

Lindsey, who studies at Federation University, expected time bonuses to play a crucial role in the final result.

He said intermediate sprints throughout the race would also test the field.

“There are also opportunities in the second stage, in the Blue Lake kermesse, and also in stage four which runs from Heywood to Casterton,” he said.

“The fifth stage, at Bridgewater, provides opportunities as well, because there is lots of climbing and potential cross winds.”

A field of about 100 cyclists is expected to tackle the 500km event from July 26 to 30 across the six stages.

The competitors will start in Mount Gambier, travelling to the coast at Port MacDonnell before crossing the border to tackle the rolling hinterland of Heywood and Casterton.

They will then return to the Cape Bridgewater circuit and Portland for the final central business district waterfront criterium.

Lindsey was thrilled at the chance to compete in a race held in his native south-west region.

He will join Warrnambool brothers Sam and Matt Lane, fellow Portland cyclist Lachlan Nolte and Victorian Nicholas Leonard in the team, while South Australia’s Jack Patzel will also suit up for Anchor Point.

“It’s always a great race to compete in, especially now there is a stage around Bridgewater which I believe will suit me a little,” he said.