One of Tasmanian cycling’s biggest supporters is confident the Launceston Classic will be able to bounce back from the disappointment of having to cancel its elite women’s race.
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And internationally-renowned SBS presenter Mike Tomalaris has even challenged race organisers to get the popular annual men’s race back on live television across the nation.
The broadcaster’s regular Tour de France frontman was in Launceston for the launch of this year’s Stan Siejka Classic which he said remained one of Australia's top criterium races.
“There’s a real passion for cycling in this town and people come from all over the state to support it and you don’t necessarily see that in other states,” Tomalaris said.
“The cyclists here, whether road, track or mountain bike, put Tasmania on the map. People ask me ‘What is it about Tasmania that produces these young guns?’ I think it’s the conditions and the rich tradition here.”
Tomalaris has been commentating on the classic since it began in 2002 featuring all five Australians that had contested that year’s Tour de France.
He encouraged the race committee to open discussions with SBS about again televising an event which has been supported by the likes of Chris Froome, Cadel Evans, Robbie McEwen, Stuart O’Grady and home-state products Richie Porte, Matt Goss and Wes Sulzberger.
“One year we showed this race live on SBS and I would love to see that again. I’m sure we could have it back on national TV.
“It’s being streamed live on the internet so why not on TV? If it’s possible, let’s do it.”
Despite announcing last week that it was cancelling the stand-alone women’s elite race due to lack of entries, classic organisers said this year’s event, on Sunday, November 11, would again include the Lawrence Street climb challenge and see the return of a 5-kilometre running race.
Legana’s Micheal Wilson has taken over from another former WorldTour rider, Wes Sulzberger, as race director while a women’s race will form part of the masters event.
The men’s elite race will make up leg one of a nationwide criterium series also taking in events in Sydney, Wollongong and Melbourne.
As usual, the cycling festival will feature a number of local and junior races, beginning at 11.45am.
This week’s race launch also heard from three-time winner Goss about his life after cycling, happy memories of his home-town race and his GrandTour hopes for Porte.
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
