NRS: Tour of Gippsland set for picturesque Bass Coast showdowns

The picturesque backdrop of Gippsland’s Bass Coast will once again be on show when the Tour of Gippsland returns this Friday for a weekend of racing in Victoria.

Cyclists from around Australia and New Zealand will compete in the three-day event, which forms part of the AusCycling National Road Series (NRS), from August 25-27.

The Phillip Island town of Rhyll will play host to an exciting opening stage criterium, before the tour moves to three further stages on the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

The 2023 Tour of Gippsland will be raced from August 25-27 in the Bass Coast region. Picture: Con Chronis

The closing day of the Tour of Gippsland includes an opportunity for all graded cyclists to come and race on the GP track. The Phillip Island Classic will offer racing from U11 through to U17 and A, B, C and D graded racing. For all riders racing in the three day NRS and U19 Tour of Gippsland, entry to the Open will be included in their tour entry fee.

The Tour of Gippsland provides the perfect opportunity for Australia’s emerging and experienced domestic cyclists to race and develop. Past winners have included Olympians and future professionals as recent as last year, with 2022 women's tour winner Georgie Howe now racing with Team Jayco AlUla on the UCI Women's WorldTour.

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said the Bass Coast Shire Council is excited to welcome back the Tour of Gippsland to the region.

Three stages of the 2023 Tour of Gippsland will be raced on the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Picture: Con Chronis

"We proudly look forward to sharing our stunning home and world-class views with riders, from rolling hills to striking cliffs to powerful waves and marine parks," Whelan said.

"Events like the Tour of Gippsland are vital to Bass Coast, driving tourism in our off season, as we’re the second most dependent shire on tourism in Australia, only after Uluru.

"Winter is a perfect time to explore Rhyll, Cowes, Newhaven, San Remo, Wonthaggi and more. Our restaurants and cafes are just as delicious, our reserves and beaches just as impressive, but without the crowds’ visitors can enjoy more space as well as time.

"I look forward to seeing guests and locals alike at the Tour of Gippsland, a brilliant challenge for all cycling lovers."

The 2023 Tour of Gippsland rolls away this Friday in Rhyll. Picture: Con Chronis

The event is once again supported by the Victorian Government, Bass Coast Shire Council, Destination Gippsland and will showcase the Bass Coast to the many interstate and overseas visitors along with the viewers watching the daily highlights package through the SBS On Demand platform and AusCycling.

Pictures: Con Chronis