Some of Australia’s top riders will line out tomorrow in the Stan Siejka Launceston International Classic, a evening criterium taking place in Tasmania.
Named after one of the organisers of the race, who was tragically killed in a skiing accident this year, those riding it will include world espoir champion Jack Bobridge, world omnium champion Leigh Howard and former Tour de France green jersey Baden Cooke.
Other participants will include the sprinter Graeme Brown, two-time race champion Matt Goss, Melbourne to Warnambool winner Zac Dempster, national crit champion Bernard Sulzberger, as well as Jonathan Cantwell, Mitch Docker, Simon Clarke and Wes Sulzberger.
The race forms part of the popular Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals, and large crowds are expected to attend. There will a first prize of $5000.
Former Paris-Roubaix winner Stuart O’Grady was expected to take part, but he was forced to pull out of the race due to illness. He’s given his backing to the race, though, and also recently paid tribute to Stan Siejka, saying he was a great person.