Wes Sulzberger raced the Stan Siejka Launceston Classic for a decade and said he is proud to take on the role of race director.

Having twice finished runner-up to fellow Tasmanian WorldTour riders Matt Goss (in 2007) and Will Clarke (2009), Sulzberger has seen first-hand how popular the event is in Australian cycling.

“A lot of pros have always said what a great event it is,” he said.

“I’m biased but I think it is one of the best organised events I’ve taken part in. It is held in very high regard by riders.”

Last year’s race marked the end of Sulzberger’s pro career which took in several world championships and four Grand Tours including the 2010 Tour de France.

Now a 30-year-old father-of-two living in Legana, the former world under-23 road race silver medallist was keen to keep involved with his home-town showpiece.

“When I raced it for the last time last year I expressed an interest (in being race director) and John Clements and Dave Martin asked if I would come on the committee.

“Having raced it so many times and being a very proud Tasmanian I was more than happy to accept the offer.

“It’s totally different to riding it when all you have to do is turn up on time and then race round the course. A lot more goes on behind the scene making sure everything works, making sure the teams have their invites and are confirmed and supported.

“It’s the race director’s job to make sure the event runs smoothly and on time and following up on any issues that develop but hopefully we don’t have too many of those.”

The race has a history of attracting top Australian riders like Robbie McEwen and Stuart O’Grady but Sulzberger said little has been locked in yet for this year’s race on Sunday, November 12. 

Launceston’s Richie Porte has also been a strong supporter of the event but has made himself unavailable to ride this year as he continues to recover from injuries sustained in his horrific Tour de France crash in July.

Porte’s BMC teammate Miles Scotson has been named among the first confirmations for the Launceston Classic. The 23-year-old South Australian is the reigning Australian road race champion also won the national under-23 road race and time trial in 2015.

“We have not got much cemented yet but are hoping to have a lot of talent including some riders from the Orica team and a few other top Aussies if their timeline fits,” Sulzberger said.

“I definitely have fond memories of the event and now that there is some new spice in the circuit it is a real spectacle. Because the riders have to come up that (Lawrence Street) hill it slows them right down so instead of just flashing by at 50km/h this gives the crowd more time to take it all in.”

Sulzberger, who is also coaching and working as the Australia and New Zealand manager for online cycling training company Zwift, praised the efforts of the committee and said this year’s event would again feature junior and master races followed by elite women and men which carry equal prize money.