12/3

110th AUSTRAL WHEELRACE SET TO LIGHT UP VODAFONE

The world’s oldest cycling race, the Austral Wheelrace, is returning to its former glory with a quality program of racing set to light up Vodafone Arena this Saturday night.  

With a full program of events, headlined by Olympic Gold Medallist, Brett Aitken, 2006 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Sean Finning, and former winner of the Melbourne Cup on Wheels, James Langedyk, the night promises great racing and great entertainment.

The night will highlight the return of the Future Stars riders who where involved in the spectacular crash at the Revolution 2 event in December – including crash instigator Ben Sanders and Bendigo’s Toby Dite who can be seen spectacularly spinning along the railing at Vodafone Arena.

The crash generated world-wide coverage and more than one million views have been recorded on YouTube.   Watch it here:  YouTube - Revolution 2 Crash

Over the course of 109 Austral editions, some great cyclists and notable riders have won the event. World Champions, Gordon Johnson (1973) and Steele Bishop (1982) have the distinction of winning from scratch, and the great Sid Patterson has won twice – however the record belongs to consistent Victorian all-rounder, Stephen Pate who won the Austral four times. 

Former Australia track cycling head coach Charlie Walsh won in 1969 and current Victorian Institute of Sport head cycling coach Dave Sanders won 30 years ago in 1978. Another celebrated winner was the noted H. “Fatty” Lamb who won in 1929.

Sanders’ son Ben will line up in this year’s Austral in an attempt to become the first father and son combination to win the historic event.

In its 110th year, the CycleCover Insurance Austral Wheelrace commenced in 1887 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, there is some conjecture as to whether first prize was a grand piano or a cabinet filled with silverware. There is no conjecture, however, that the original race was battled out on Penny Farthings on grass over 4800 meters.    

The iconic race gained prominence in 1898, when a talented club racer by the name of Tom Finnigan won the Austral off the mark of 220 yards, holding off the backmarkers by just a foot. Finnigan, a bicycle mechanic by trade, won 240 Sovereigns on that night and used it to set-up one of Australia’s most famous brands, Malvern Star Cycles.    

EVENT DETAILS  

What:     110th Austral Wheelrace  
When:    Saturday 15 March 2008  
Time:      Doors open at 5.30pm; racing starts 7pm sharp  
Where:   Vodafone Area, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne
Website: www.theaustralwheelrace.com.au

$15,000 total prizemoney.  $9,000 for the Austral, $5,000 for first place plus the amazing Austral trophy.  An exciting program of championship-style racing featuring sprint, endurance, Keirin and Madison racing.  Plus the heats and finals of prestigious 110th Austral Wheelrace.  Ride in front of an expected full house at Vodafone Arena.  Watch yourself ride on the Austral TV Show on SBS and Fox Sports.  EVENT FLYER

Important Competitor Info:  Download info sheet here.

Tickets: Ticketek 132 849 www.ticketek.com.au  or Ticketek agencies

Info: Susan Stewart 0410 858 049 E ss@cyclingrevolution.com.au | www.cyclingrevolution.com.au