Sun Tour revisits Marysville

MARYSVILLE is gearing up for a repeat visit of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
While the Yarra Ranges missed out this year, Murrindindi Shire will host the race on day five. The 183-kilometre ride from Benalla to Lake Mountain is the longest and most arduous stage and tipped to be the deciding stage of the race.
The stage is expected to take five hours as the riders pass through Swanpool, Bonnie Doon, Yarck, Alexandra, Thornton, Buxton and Marysville.
One hundred and sixty kilometres into the stage the riders will pass through Marysville where the fun begins with a 20km climb to the finish at the top of Lake Mountain. It includes the tour’s only category one climb. The total ascent is just over 900m, with the steepest section in the first 10 kilometres of the climb.
If the climbers are in contention here, the tour could hinge on the outcome of what organisers are touting as a “gut-busting” ascent.
Prior to the tour’s arrival in Marysville, primary school students will take part in a bike obstacle course run by Marysville Police Sergeant Kevin Graham.
A speed radar bike sprint will also be held in the school grounds.
Students will watch the race from roadside just outside of Marysville at the start of the gruelling climb to the summit of Lake Mountain. At Lake Mountain the students from Alexandra Secondary College will greet the riders.
For information on the Jayco Herald Sun Tour visit www.heraldsuntour.com.au