Record Fields for Warrnambool Cycling Double-Header

A record field of 210 cyclists will contest the Eastern Oak Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic on Saturday.

The whopping entry is the largest since the 116-year-old classic became a massed start race in 1996.

The Independent Crane Hire Shipwreck Coast Classic, founded in 2009 and to be conducted on Sunday, has also attracted record numbers, with 113 riders to face the starter.

An impressive 33 women will contest the 117km Shipwreck Coast Classic, which will start at 11.30a.m. at Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill and conclude around 2.15p.m. at Cheese World, Allansford.

The “Warrnambool” will start at 7.30a.m. at Werribee racecourse and end about 2p.m. in Warrnambool’s Raglan Parade.

Race director John Craven today described the entry numbers as amazing.

“The response is a tribute to the bold decisions and enterprising hard work done by the Warrnambool Citizens’ Road Race Committee during the past 16 years,” he said.

“It’s not just the size of the fields – the quality is pretty special.”

Herald Sun Tour winner Nathan Haas, of Canberra, will wear the coveted No. 1 saddlecloth.

Melbourne’s Steele Von Hoff, tearaway winner of the 2011 Scody Cup, will carry No. 2.

The Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty will launch the classic at 11.30a.m. at Werribee racecourse tomorrow (Tuesday).