There was cross-generational support for the Tour of Tasmania’s decision to stage an eye-catching uphill prologue in Launceston’s Brisbane Street West next week.
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Tasmanian champion riders past and present said the 670-metre gut-buster should prove as popular with spectators as it was pulsating with competitors.
“I reckon it’s terrific,” said Graeme Gilmore, European six-day specialist and 1972 Australian cyclist of the year.
“It’s close to the city and will have a real park atmosphere so people can bring picnics, sit by a hairpin and have a really good time.
“It’s a real heart-starter for the riders. Gearing is going to be a really important factor.
“Even overseas there’s been a real tendency towards these short prologues and they’re great because a lot of people can get involved and enjoy them.”
Legana’s Bernie Sulzberger, who has the 2009 Tour of Tasmania among his many victories, said he was looking forward to beginning another campaign on familiar territory.
“I think it’s a great spectacle for the crowd,” he said.
“As a rider it’s pretty tough. I’ve done it a few times. I used to do it when I was about 18 and riding for the TIS in a bunch with guys like Karl Menzies so I know it well.”
The course has long been a popular training ride for many of Tasmania’s elite cyclists like Richie Porte, Ben Grenda and Will Clarke and the riders can compare performances on Strava.
“I think I’ve got the record by about one second from Grenda but it took me about five or six goes to get it off him and I expect to lose it next week,” Sulzberger said.
“I think we’ll need a really good warm-up on the rollers to get the legs ready because it’s a real leg snapper.”
I think it’s a great spectacle for the crowd
- Former Tour of Tasmania winner Bernie Sulzberger
Dating back to 1930, the tour is regarded as the marquee event on the National Road Series calendar with Hubert Opperman, Cadel Evans and Porte joining Sulzberger on the honour roll.
After next Wednesday’s Launceston prologue comes a gruelling 115.9km stage from George Town to Grindelwald and the infamous Gunns Plains ascent on Friday before the 103.8km stage three climb to Poatina on Saturday and a final stage 30-lap 54km criterium around Devonport on Sunday.
“The prologue is going to be something special,” said race director John Trevorrow.