Sensational, jaw dropping, spectacular, magnificent, stunning.
These were just some of the superlatives used by Tour Director John Trevorrow this week as he completed the final course reconnaissance for the 2015 edition of the Tour of Tasmania.
Arguably the jewel in the Subaru National Road Series crown, the six-day Tour runs October 6-11 and will feature two new stages and the introduction of a prologue.
Tasmanian terrain is renowned for being the toughest and past winners of the Tour of Tasmania include the legendary Cadel Evans, Richie Porte, Nathan Haas, Bernard Sulzberger, Cameron Meyer, and more recently Jack Haig and Patrick Bevin.
Bookended by exciting new locations at the Baskerville Raceway (Hobart) and Symmons Plains Raceway (Launceston), the 120km Strathgordon to New Norfolk Road Race will challenge the riders from the get go on stage one.
It is a case of old meets new with the decisive stages two and four being old favourites, while stage three sees the return of a classic that history buffs would know well.
The 106km second stage from Ulverstone to Penguin evoked strong emotions from the veteran Tour Director, Promoter and cycling guru, as he travelled the route.
“This course is world class,” remarked Trevorrow. “It is one of the best you will find anywhere in the world. In my experience, they don’t come any better than this!”
“It’s a real challenge for the riders, there’s not a single section of straight road out there which makes it conducive to attacking racing.”
Stage three’s East Devonport to George Town road race is another new introduction with the route starting on the banks of the Mersey River before hitting the hills of Holwell. Old time Tour followers will remember this region as the home of the dreaded Holwell Climb.
“Yet another stunning stage that provides an ideal platform for aggressive racing, lots of long, fast sections of road with a fantastic super-fast finish,” Trevorrow added.
“There is no rest for the faint hearted on the stage four Launceston to Grindelwald road race, with a final decisive climb just outside of Launceston set to shape the Tour’s standings ahead of the final criterium stage.
The Tour is backed by Events Tasmania, City of Launceston, Derwent Valley Council, Central Coast Council, City of Devonport, George Town Council and West Tamar Council.
Tour supporters include the Banjo’s, NRM North, Goodstone Group, The Examiner, The Advocate & Hanamade.
TOUR SCHEDULE
- Prologue: Baskerville Raceway, Baskerville Road, Old Beach . Tuesday, October 6, 2015
- Stage 1: Strathgordon to New Norfolk Road Race Wednesday, October 7, 2015
- Stage 2 Ulverstone to Penguin Road Race Thursday, October 8, 2015
- Stage 3 East Devonport to George Town Road Race Friday, October 9, 2015
- Stage 4 Launceston to Grindelwald Road Race Saturday, October 10, 2015
- Stage 5 Symmons Plains Criterium Sunday, October 11, 2015
