Tasmania’s passion for cycling has seen the state begin a three-year relationship with the Oceania road championships.
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And organisers are confident the union will only get hotter.
Evandale hosted the time trials on Friday ahead of road races in Railton on Saturday and Sunday and Oceania Cycling Confederation president Tracey Gaudry was impressed with what the state had to offer.
“Having such a history in racing here, Tasmania is an exceptional destination for cycling,” she said.
“We first touted the idea of this last year and the collective very quickly recognised what a great opportunity it was to raise the profile for the state and send a message out worldwide.
“There is such a strong, vibrant cycling community across road, track and mountain bike here and it is great that the state government look at cycling for sport, participation and tourism.
“This event is locked in for next three years and it’s the first time that’s ever been done for that long. We’re very proud of that and how well the local team has delivered.”
The 48-year-old represented Australia at two Olympics and the 1998 Commonwealth Games before a sporting administrative career working with Athletics Australia, the Amy Gillett Foundation and most recently as Hawthorn chief executive.
Ms Gaudry said future Oceania titles will form national selection events for world championships and Olympic Games.