Organisers expect the change from the traditional CBD course to the new, shorter 1.1km track to present the toughest and most technically challenging course since the event began in 2002.

The course will feature three days of road racing next month that includes the Stan Siejka Launceston Cycling Classic, the My State Women’s Cycling Classic, Cycling Australia’s national junior track series and also the community-driven Sally’s ride.

Cycling Classic chairman John Clements promises the change will be popular with spectators.

‘‘One of the beauties of this course is it allows the spectators to be a lot closer to the riders, as they will be travelling at a slower speed on the hill parts,’’ Clements said.

‘‘It will certainly bring an atmosphere that will rival European criterium racing.’’

This year the race around City Park includes a steep climb at the back end up Lawrence Street that will ensure more slower parts than the previous flat CBD course course.

The ‘‘peanut’’ roundabout, as Clements calls it, will ‘‘become a cauldron of noise and spectator involvement’’.

Exiting the roundabout, riders will lead into a fast descent of Brisbane, Tamar and Cimitiere streets.

‘‘There’s been feedback continually about the [previous] course,’’ he said.

‘‘We had a great course in the city, but this course certainly gives people an opportunity to be a lot closer to riders.’’