Toowoomba Chronicle: Tour draws record entries

Defending champion Pat Shaw will head a record field of 23 teams and 138 riders when the third FKG Tour Of Toowoomba begins next Thursday.

This year's expanded tour runs from June 14-17, covering four stages across Darling Downs and South Burnett roads before culminating with a 50km criterium around Toowoomba's Queens Park on the Sunday.

Shaw has won both Tour Of Toowoomba events to date and will return this year with the Genesys Wealth Advisers team.

Genesys is riding high in this year's National Road Series and will be keen to continue its roll next week in Toowoomba.

Other leading teams set to tackle this year's tour include Team Budget Forklifts and Team Torque/Bicycle Superstar.

South Australia will field its first Tour Of Toowoomba entry with the SASI team set to line up.

Tour director John Osborne OAM said while a lot of interest will focus on Shaw and his bid for a winning Tour Of Toowoomba hat-trick, the Victorian faces a huge challenge.

"With the co-operation of police, we have been able to expand our field this year to 23 teams of six riders," Osborne said.

"Patrick's task to retain his title will be a tough one.

"But he's earned the honour of carrying the number one saddlecloth and a lot of eyes will be on him during the four days of racing."