One of the largest cycling events in Australia, the Autumn Cycling Classic is hosted by the Northern Combine (via the Preston Cycling Club) in partnership with La Trobe University.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday 22 April and will host hundreds of elite, junior and recreational riders at La Trobe University’s three-kilometre-long closed circuit Ring Road course.
Preston Cycling Club President Angelo Sirianni said spectators attending this year’s Autumn Cycling Classic would be treated to some high-quality racing in the largest road race event of its type in Metropolitan Melbourne.
“The Autumn Cycling Classic is a road race run on a closed circuit, which makes it different to most other road races as the cyclists have the whole road to race on, so the dynamic is different,” Sirianni said.
“Because it is a circuit, the spectators will see a lot more of the racing that you would see in a typical stage race. That makes it even more exciting and hopefully spectacular.”
Sirianni also thanked the key contributors and event partners for their ongoing support of the Autumn Cycling Classic in 2023.
“Whilst La Trobe University, Northern Combine and Preston Cycling Club are leading the organisation of the event, other clubs have a key role by providing representatives to the Northern Combine,” Sirianni said.
“Volunteers and commissaires come together from all clubs to help put on the event and make it a success along with volunteers from La Trobe University itself. Additionally, AusCycling’s support is as strong as ever for the event and is much appreciated.
“Without the support of all the cycling community, this event would not be able to take place.”
In addition to the competitive racing competitions that have made the Autumn Cycling Classic a keynote event on the Northern Combine calendar, this year’s edition is set to feature an all new La Trobe Community Social Cycle aimed at engaging casual riders in a fun and non-competitive environment.
The first 100 riders to register for the La Trobe Community Social Cycle will receive a free coffee on the day courtesy of the La Trobe Sustainability and Planning Team and will automatically enter the draw to win a Team La Trobe prize pack, featuring a general admission family pass to a Melbourne Rebels home game, drink bottle, gym towel and hat.
La Trobe Sport Senior Coordinator for Partnerships and Engagement, Andrew Pettigrove, said hosting events such as the Autumn Cycling Classic reflected La Trobe’s commitment to promoting physical and mental health and wellbeing amongst the university community.
“The Autumn Cycling Classic presents a wonderful chance to not only promote the sport of cycling and its associated health benefits, but also to promote cycling as a valid commuting option to La Trobe University given the scenic pathways that lead into the Bundoora campus,” Pettigrove said.
“We’re encouraging social riders of all ages to join us at the event to take advantage of the opportunity to ride on a closed-circuit cycling course in a safe and enjoyable way.
“In addition to this, you can of course enjoy some high-quality competitive racing right here on our campus, which is set to feature some of Australia’s premier cycling talent.”
To register for the La Trobe Community Social Cycle, click here.
In the lead up to the Autumn Classic, don’t forget to join us at our next La Trobe University Biker’s Brekkie for free coffee and breakfast, held on Wednesday 5 April 8am–10am at our Melbourne (Bundoora) and Bendigo Campuses. For more information on the Biker’s Breaky events, click here.
To view the course map for the 2023 Autumn Cycling Classic, click here.
To participate and race competitively in the Autumn Cycling Classic, please click here.
Image Credit: Ray Bowles
