BATHURST Cycling Club is hopeful numbers will lift for the upcoming Road Series after its promising turnout in last year's edition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The eight-leg pointscore event is back again from this Sunday to give Bathurst riders the opportunity to race for a series victory on the roads of Perthville.
Bathurst Cycling Club road coordinator Glen Partridge said the popularity of the event last year warranted its continuation for the 2019 season.
"The series created the most interest with riders in the club that we've seen with any event for probably the last few years," he said.
"There were well over 40 riders entered into the first round. While those numbers drop off a bit it certainly created interest through the club and that's what the club needs.
"There was so much interest last year that I'd like to see maybe a third or so more on top of what we had. There's definitely more interest around it this year."
Partridge said course variety is an important part of the series and it's what gives riders across all grades
"Every rider has their own strengths in each discipline so what we try to do is make use of all our roads," he said.
Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here.
"We have the two roads, three roads and cross roads courses and there's a couple of hill climb finishes and there's two time trials as well over the eight rounds.
"We'll start with the two roads this Sunday, which is our short course. We'll actually be starting at the velodrome then go out in a race start to the corner at Perthville."
The 29km series opener gets underway from 8.30am this Sunday at the Bathurst Velodrome.
The series will take a break over the Bathurst Cycling Classic weekend before returning on the following Sunday with a 40km three roads scratch race.
Brad Rayner goes into the series as the defending A grade champion while Rod Lovett, Toireasa Gallagher and Caitlin Lovett took out last year's lower grade crowns.
Meanwhile, the club will be operating its free junior skills and introduction to cycling program this Tuesday afternoon at the velodrome from 4pm.