Tamar Valley Challenge to support North Tasmanian cycling

The inaugural Tamar Valley Challenge Ride will be held on December 21 as a prelude to the Launceston Cycling Classic. The race will cater to cyclists ranging from social riders to aspiring Tour de France racers and is promoting awareness of the sport of cycling to encourage healthy lifestyles and road-cycling-safety. Funds raised will support the sport's continued development in Northern Tasmania, Australia.

"The ride is a great initiative to get more people involved with the sport and the funds raised will go towards raising our standard of competition at Olympic level," said Matthew Gilmore, Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) head coach.

The 120km course will start and finish at Windsor Park, Riverside and travel North along Rosevears Dr. to Exeter, Gravelly Beach, along Foreshore road, under the Batman Bridge to Kayena, and then onwards to Beaconsfield, Beauty Point and returning along the West Tamar Highway . There will also be shorter 40 and 80 km courses for the less adventurous. A concluding celebration will follow at the Launceston Football clubrooms at Windsor Park.

For more information and to register for the event, which is being organized by the Launceston City Cycling Club in conjunction with the Launceston Cycling Class committee, visit www.cycling.tas.org.au.