Tour of Gippsland to close the curtain on National Road Series

The historic Tour of Gippsland is set to be farewelled in its current form next week, marking the end of an era for Australian road cycling.
 
Running from October 2 to 4, the Tour of Gippsland will be the final event of the 2024 AusCycling National Road Series, and the last before the NRS makes way for the new ProVelo Super League.

The 2024 event is expected to attract Australia’s best and brightest prospects and will once again be centred around the townships of Phillip Island and Rhyll in south-eastern Victoria.
 
Bass Coast Shire mayor Clare Le Serve said events such as the Tour of Gippsland were crucial for the region.
 
“As part of the bumper month of October events coming to Bass Coast, we’re excited to welcome the Tour of Gippsland back to Phillip Island. 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,” Le Serve said.
 
“Events like this are crucial for Bass Coast, boosting tourism and offering visitors a glimpse of all we have to offer just ahead of the peak season.
 
“I'm particularly thrilled to see equal prize money awarded across all stages, ensuring fairness for participants of every age.
 
“I look forward to seeing guests and locals alike at the Tour of Gippsland, a brilliant challenge for all cycling lovers.”

 
Stage one will see road races on the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit across under-19 and elite men and women’s categories. Stages two and three will also be on the Grand Prix circuit with an individual time trial followed by a road race in the reverse direction.

The race will conclude with a criterium along Beach Road in Rhyll.

Katelyn Nicholson (Team BridgeLane), winner of the Sapphire Tour at the Grafton to Inverell, currently leads the NRS individual standings for women.

Meanwhile, Alastair Christie-Johnston and Graeme Frislie (both CCACHE x Par Küp) jointly lead the men's leaderboard. CCACHE x Par Küp and Team BridgeLane also top the men's and women's team standings respectively.
 
Last year's Tour of Gippsland was won by Emily Watts and Tristan Saunders. The honour roll includes Olympic gold medallist Sam Welsford and former professionals Nathan Haas and Zak Dempster.

Photo: Con Chronis