OVER 2000 cycling enthusiasts will arrive in Jindabyne on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s Snowy Classic Gran Fondo cycle classic.
With two route options, the 110km Challenge Classic and the 170km Maxi Classic, the event will see cyclists from across Australia arrive to tackle the famous Snowy Mountains terrain.
Riding on closed roads adds huge appeal to the cycling classic, and the finish line atmosphere and celebration add to what is a wonderful occasion.
There are more serious contenders who only have thoughts of grandeur and being first across the line, but for most, it’s a day out to be enjoyed with the sport they love.
Gareth Downey from Canberra said he probably knew about 30 to 40 people at the 2023 race. He said it was hard conditions including the cold. “I don’t know how you can do a loop and have a head wind the whole way around,” said Gareth.
“I did the 170, or more accurately the 170 did me,” was Gareth’s description of his personal battle with the longer course.
Jacob Messer from Summer Hill said their group, SHLOBS, Summer Hill ladies/lads on bikes consisted of 20 people and they were very much into the social side of riding. “It’s very much focused on cycling, coffee and then social,” said Jacob.
The race is also supported by local riders, the Jindabyne Cycling Club jersey often spotted among the groups competing in both distances. But no matter the rider and their origin, they are all aware the routes are very challenging, just like the mountain stages in European events.
We always look forward to the cyclists’ postmortem on the toughest climb of all, “The Wall” at Beloka that is a true test of legs and mind. Enjoy….
Most participants will be staying in the Snowy Mountains region over the weekend boosting tourism and bringing considerable economic benefits to the local region.
Road Closures
Saturday 23 March
To ensure the safety of participants there will be rolling road closures on event extending from Jindabyne to Hilltop, Rocky Plain, Berridale, Dalgety, Beloka and Perisher Valley. Event organisers have coordinated with council and local authorities to minimise the disruption to the community where possible.
Road closures will commence early morning, and in particular residents should be aware from 7.15am to 9.15am there is no access from from Jindabyne to Eucumbene Road turnoff. There are multiple rolling road closures that residents should be aware off throughout the day. Pleas refer to the links below.
Full road closure details can be found at www.snowyclassic.com.au/community. Live Traffic NSW will also be updated with all event road closures closer to the event date www.livetraffic.com.
Start Line / Event Village
The event weekend will kick off with the Event Village from 3:00pm – 6:00pm on Friday 22 March at Town Centre Carpark, Bay St. There will be cycling exhibitors, a set up by the Twilight Markets showcasing local produce and wares, and food and coffee stalls.
The main event kicks off at 8:00am on Saturday, 23 March from the Kosciuszko Rd Start Line (opposite Banjo Paterson Park). Cheer on riders as they depart to tackle one of two rides – the 170km Maxi Classic or 110km Challenge Classic.
Community Competition
In addition to the thrilling cycling action, event organisers are calling on locals to showcase their region through a creative display.
A panel of judges will review the displays, considering creativity, relevance to the Snowy Classic, and overall visual impact. The best display will win a 2-night stay at the luxurious Bendooley Estate in Berrima. Plus, there are 2x $50 vouchers to Birchwood café and Seasn Cafe for runners-up.
Visit the community competition page for more details at Community Competition – Snowy Classic (cyclingclassics.com.au)