Bicycle Network’s Peaks Challenge Falls Creek returns to the Victorian Alps for the eighth year in a row this weekend, with 2,000 cyclists from all around Australia and overseas gearing up to tackle one of the world’s toughest rides on Sunday.
Since the first event in 2010, Peaks Challenge Falls Creek has become infamous for its grueling 235 kilometre course that includes more than 4,000 vertical metres of climbing and a time limit of 13 hours.
The looping course includes three major climbs over Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, where the ride starts and finishes.
Bicycle Network General Manager of Events, Rebecca Lane, said Peaks Challenge Falls Creek is the ultimate cycling test, but that Bicycle Network has full support for riders.
“Peaks Challenge Falls Creek is not for the faint-hearted. With 4,000 metres of climbing it is on par with an alpine stage of the Tour de France and the 13-hour time cut-off will push riders to the limit,” said Ms Lane.
“However, so you can ride like a pro we’ll treat you like a pro, with on route support including food and hydration, valet service, mechanical assistance and moto marshals. We’ll be there right behind you for every kilometre.”
Peaks Challenge Falls Creek is the highlight of the Victorian Alps ‘green season’ and brings in millions of tourism dollars to the region each year.
It attracts entrants from all over Australia and overseas, with riders coming from as close as Bright and Mount Beauty and as far as Sweden and the UK this year. Family and friends also join riders to fill the village at Falls Creek and create a festival atmosphere.
Ms Lane added that there is still plenty to do on event day for family and friends, with a women’s social ride and a ‘Junior Peaks’ event for children on Sunday morning.
“It’s not just the 2,000 cyclists taking on the main event that get to experience the natural beauty of Falls Creek and the Victorian Alps, the event is also a great showcase for the whole family.”
With so many cyclists taking part, a number of road closures and changes to traffic conditions will be in place along the route throughout the day. Bicycle Network has worked closely with local councils, Victoria Police, VicRoads and Parks Victoria to implement changes.
Full event details including last minute entries, family and tourist activities and the full schedule of road closures and detailed route maps, visit peakschallenge.com.au. Follow the event online using #Peaks17.
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