‘AUSTRALIA’S TOUGHEST ONE DAY CYCLING RACE’ RETURNS TO THE GLEN INNES

Published on 26 February 2025

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Glen Innes is gearing up for an exciting day as the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic races through the heart of the Town Centre on Saturday, 15 March 2025. Residents and visitors are invited to come down to Grey Street to experience the thrill of elite cycling while supporting local businesses and enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis said, “It’s exciting to see the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic coming through the heart of Glen Innes this year, giving our community a front-row seat to one of Australia’s most challenging cycling races. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the action up close, support our local businesses and showcase our town to a national audience. I encourage everyone to come down to Grey Street, soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the riders as they race through our town centre.”

The Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic is one of Australia’s most challenging road cycling races, renowned for its difficult terrain and gruelling distance. Starting in the Clarence Valley, the race follows the Gwydir Highway to the New England High Country, attracting top cyclists from across the country and international competitors.

Chris Thompson – Event Director of the Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell said “The Grafton to Inverell has the reputation as Australia’s toughest one day cycling race. It is the 64th edition of this iconic race whose list of winners and participants boasts many riders who have Olympic Games and Tour de France success. It has continued to be an important event in the development pathway for many of Australia’s aspiring cyclists and it is fitting that it is a feature event of the new ProVelo Super League (PSL).”

Bringing the action back through the heart of town, this year, Glen Innes will be a key part of the race route, with riders contesting a sprint point near the Australian Standing Stones before passing through the heart of the town along Grey Street. A Feed Station will be set up along the route, supported by local volunteers, and spectators can follow the race through live radio coverage, heightening the excitement of the day.

Aaron Flanagan – Co-Founder of the PSL said “Bringing elite cycling back to our townships and city centres to create an exciting experience for both the riders and spectators of the ProVelo Super League is a core pillar of our strategic vision.   Congratulations to Glen Innes Severn Council for embracing this opportunity and throwing its support behind this iconic race.”

Chris Thompson said “It is very important for the race to maintain the connection to the communities that are showcased along the 229km route. We welcome the opportunity to bring the action back into the heart of Glen Innes at a point in the race that is often decisive in deciding the final selection of riders that will contest the finish in Inverell.”

Don’t miss out on the excitement! Gather your family and friends, find a spot along Grey Street, and cheer on the riders as they take on this iconic cycling challenge.

Important Information and Notice of Road Closures

Where to watch the race
 The best and safest viewing area will be on the western side of Grey Street, from Wentworth Street through to Meade Street. Riders will be passing through between 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM, or when the final support vehicle (Sag Wagon) passes.

SBS coverage and radio broadcast
 Catch all the excitement as SBS Coverage follows the race through Glen Innes! You can also tune in to StarFM in the Town Centre to listen to live radio coverage, broadcasting every thrilling moment as the main competitors wheel through town. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the action and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot yourself on TV as the SBS broadcast showcases our vibrant community. Coverage will be broadcast on Sunday, 16 March from 1pm to 4pm on SBS and SBS On Demand. 

To learn more about the event, please visit: www.graftontoinverell.com.au

Road Closure Information
 To ensure the safety of riders and spectators, temporary road closures will be in place on the day:

  • Road Closure of Gwydir Highway between Bald Nob Road at Bald Nob and Tindall Road at Grafton from 5:15AM to 1:30PM
  • Road Closure of Grey Street between Wentworth Street and Ferguson Street at Glen Innes, on the western side (northbound) from 7:00AM to 2:15PM.  The eastern side of Grey Street (southbound) will be open to traffic.  Parallel and centre parking will be available on the eastern side of Grey Street in this section.
  • Rolling Road Closures (Police and Official Vehicles Escort) of Gwydir Highway between Bald Nob Road at Bald Nob to Church Street at Glen Innes from 8:45AM to 2:00PM
  • Rolling Road Closures (Police and Official Vehicles Escort) of Church Street between Meade Street to Wentworth/Torrington Streets at Glen Innes from 9:15AM to 2:00PM
  • Rolling Road Closures (Police and Official Vehicles Escort) of Wentworth Street from Church Street to Grey Street at Glen Innes from 9:15AM to 2:00PM
  • Rolling Road Closures (Police and Official Vehicles Escort) of Gwydir Highway between Ferguson Street at Glen Innes to Vivian Street at Inverell from 9:20AM to 5:00PM

Road closures and changed traffic conditions will be effective on Saturday, 15 March 2025.  Motorists are advised to exercise caution and be mindful of cyclists and support vehicles.

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