Tasmania’s north is being showcased this weekend with the annual Launceston Cycling Festival kicking into high gear today.
This year’s Festival features a range of events aimed at celebrating our rich cycling heritage and the stunning scenery of Launceston and its surrounds.
The clear highlights include the Stan Siejka Classic and Sally’s Ride.
The Stan Siejka Classic is one of Australia’s premier cycling events, incorporating Australia’s most iconic criterium and the race is gaining attention from around the country and across the globe. The Hodgman Liberal Government, through Events Tasmania, is a proud supporter and sponsor of the Classic, providing $25,000 to help run the event.
The other headline event, Sally’s Ride, started in 2002 when Sally Fletcher rode solo around Tasmania to raise funds for mental health. In 2009, the project was expanded to a community bike ride through the Tamar Valley.
Sally’s Ride now consists of five rides of varying lengths for individual cyclists that commence in Launceston and travel through the Tamar Valley, as well as a corporate team challenge. The annual event is targeted towards professional and recreational bike riders, and aims to increase awareness of the importance of mental health issues within the Tasmanian community, raising funds for youth suicide prevention programs.
This is a community event that attracts professional and amateur cyclists from around the world and is run by a dedicated crew of volunteers.
It’s fantastic to see such a supportive crowd at one of the State’s truly iconic sporting events.