Tour Format

The 2010 Tour of Southern Grampians consists of 4 grades, from A through to D-grade and Women. All riders competing in any of these grades must have a current 2010 ACF racing license. There will be 3 stages held over 2 days, the 24th and 25th April. A long road stage will be held on Saturday in the morning followed by the Coleraine CBD criterium in the afternoon. This criterium circuit around the residential streets of Coleraine is the fastest in Victoria.  On Sunday morning the longest stage of the tour will be run followed by presentations.

Getting to Coleraine
From Melbourne take the Western Highway to Ballarat and then follow the signs to Hamilton on the Glenelg Highway. Once in Hamilton continue to follow the signs to the Glenelg Highway until you reach Coleraine. Coleraine is situated on Bryan's Creek approximately 325km west of Melbourne and 30km west of Hamilton on the Glenelg Hwy. It is a small town with a population of only 1100.

Registration and Signing In
All riders will be required to register and pick up numbers and all other race documentation before the commencement of the Tour. Registration will be held in Whyte Street, the main street of Coleraine on Friday 23 April from 5.30pm to 10.00pm at the National Hotel. Riders can also register on Saturday morning in McConochie Street.   The start of every stage of the Tour will commence in McConochie Street. There is ample parking here also. In addition to registration, all riders MUST sign in at the start at least 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the stage. If any rider fails to do this they will be given an automatic 10 sec time penalty.

Stage 1  - The Southern Grampians Shire Classic (Saturday morning)
 Women and D grades
 Stage 1 will commence at 8.30am for Women and D grade.  The distance will be 71km and consist of 2 KOM's and a variety of undulating and scenic roads.  The race heads south towards Merino, the takes a left turn towards Hamilton before heading back into Tahara, Tarrenlea and back for the finish in Coleraine.  For more details please look at the Stage Details page.
 A, B and C grades
 A, B and C grades will commence at around 9.00am.  A grade will ride 118km, including 4 KOM's and B and C grades will compete over 95km and 3 KOM's.  The route will be similar to the Women and D grade but will head further towards Hamilton before turning back towards Coleraine.  For further details please see the Stage Details page at this website.

Stage 2 - Coleraine CBD Criterium (Saturday afternoon)
 D grade - 10 laps, C grade - 20 laps, B grade - 20 laps, Women - 15 laps, A grade - 25 laps
Stage 2 will commence at 1.30pm sharp and consist of a criterium starting and finishing in Whyte Street, Coleraine.  The course is approximately 1.84km in length and travels along Whyte St, Henty St, Church St, Read St, Pilleau St and Young St.  Intermediate sprints will be contested every 5 laps for big time bonuses.  For the fast sprinters in the bunch, these bonuses can make a big difference to your GC position.

Stage 3  - Great Doherty Sheet Metal Classic (Sunday morning)
A and B grade
The final stage of the Tour is one of the most infamous and has been held a number of times over the years.  A and B grade will compete the Wilderness Rd loop, followed by 2 loops of the Douglas / Zig Zag Roads.  They will compete 4 KOM's, 116km and ride through some of the most spectacular scenery in the vicinity of Coleraine.  This race, the riders will experience all the highs and lows both in altitude as well as of the emotional type.
C, D grades and Women-
C, D and Women wil compete the Wilderness Road loop as well as 1 loop over Douglas and Zig Zag Roads.  Total distance will be 71km.  In this part of Victoria and on these narrow roads, if the wind blows then beware.
 

Presentations
The presentations will be held as soon as possible after the completion of Stage 3.  All competitors finishing in the top 5 on GC WILL BE required to stay for presentations or any prize money won will be forfeited.  The sponsors continue to support our race and we must show them the respect they deserve by being present for presentations and photos.
 Presentations will be held at the completion of the criterium.