THE Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic has always been a popular race for Australia's domestic cyclists and usually attracts the best in search of success.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
This year will be no different with a number of the nation's best riders throwing their hats in the ring to secure victory in the world's second oldest one-day race and Sunday's new criterium.
Here are riders to watch across the bumper weekend of cycling:
Nathan Elliott
![NUMBER THREE?: Nathan Elliott is chasing his third Melbourne to Warrnambool title. Picture: Rob Gunstone NUMBER THREE?: Nathan Elliott is chasing his third Melbourne to Warrnambool title. Picture: Rob Gunstone](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc6x3wfb8haon1jlrbhg43.jpg/r0_198_4956_2995_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Melbourne-based rider is attempting to be the third competitor to win the race three times.
The 29-year-old will have his InForm TM Insight MAKE teammates around him as he attempts to equal Peter 'Bulldog' Besanko and David Allen for the most wins.
Brenton Jones
![SPEED: Brenton Jones will be one to watch when he takes to Viaduct Road on Sunday. SPEED: Brenton Jones will be one to watch when he takes to Viaduct Road on Sunday.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/sean.hardeman/78c9f7bf-6d1f-44c3-abd4-3b64136cb2a1.jpeg/r0_97_1901_1170_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The former Australian criterium champion will be a threat on both days of racing.
If he is in the lead group heading into the final stages on Saturday he has the capability to out-sprint anyone in the peloton.
The case will be the same on Sunday with the criterium around Viaduct Road to suit his power.
Ben Hill
![IN FORM: Ben Hill will be chasing more glory this weekend after securing the sprinters jersey at the Herald Sun Tour last week. Picture: Con Chronis IN FORM: Ben Hill will be chasing more glory this weekend after securing the sprinters jersey at the Herald Sun Tour last week. Picture: Con Chronis](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/sean.hardeman/7fa02498-c64f-4a78-af2f-8c266e210d16.jpeg/r0_57_1600_957_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The break-away specialist, who recently took out the sprint jersey at the Herald Sun Tour using the tactic, is one to watch when the riders start attacking off the front.
The 30-year-old Canberra product will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins for Team BridgeLane.
Kirsty Deacon
The Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club youngster showed her credentials as an up-and-coming rider by finishing fourth in last year's Warrny.
With a bit more experience under her belt, expect the 23-year-old to be right in the hunt.
Taryn Heather
![BACK AGAIN: Taryn Heather (left) - pictured with Peta Mullens and Rebecca Wiasak after last year's race - is a chance to go one better in 2020. BACK AGAIN: Taryn Heather (left) - pictured with Peta Mullens and Rebecca Wiasak after last year's race - is a chance to go one better in 2020.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc743n1ryc9lkyr4rkzc.jpg/r0_224_4380_2696_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
A second-place finish last year behind Peta Mullens in an impressive ride where the leading females finished with the main men's peloton will spur her on in 2020.
The Albury-Wodonga Panthers Cycling Club member will feel confident about going one better this year.
Kate Perry
![THIRD TIME LUCKY?: Kate Perry is eager to finially cross the line at this year's Melbourne to Warrnambool. THIRD TIME LUCKY?: Kate Perry is eager to finially cross the line at this year's Melbourne to Warrnambool.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/sean.hardeman/f1cf0519-de91-4440-8b17-7c11896ae71a.JPG/r0_434_4157_2780_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
After two misses in her previous two starts at the Warrny, this appears to be the year Perry cannot only finish but win it.
With a different approach to her preparation, it is shaping up as the year she finally finishes the 'Warrny'.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.