Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic organisers pick a date for 2021 race

Race director Karin Jones said the one-day race's 105^th running was pencilled in for February 13.

It comes after the Herald Sun Tour and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race were postponed 12 months due to coronavirus restrictions.

"We are pretty excited we can go ahead," Jones told The Standard.

"We are not as reliant as both of those events and the Tour Down Under (in Adelaide) for international riders.

"Our race isn't primarily about the international riders so that gave us the confidence."

Jones said planning for the 262-kilometre race, which starts at Avalon Airport and finishes on Warrnambool's Raglan Parade, was subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

But she is confident "we will see riders take to the start line".

Jones also believes the classic could receive a boost in competitors.

"I actually think we might have a few more as there are a number of riders that traditionally would be heading back overseas to join their world tour or contracted teams," she said.

"Even if they are heading (overseas) for the spring classics, I think they will really appreciate having a race at our length before they head back.

"The national championships in Ballarat has also moved from its traditional early January date so what we're going to see now is that happening a week prior to the Melbourne to Warrnambool.

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"It is going to be quite good because it means all the competing athletes for the national championships will be here, so that is a bonus for us."

Melbourne to Warrnambool committee chairman Shane Wilson said the race showcased the region to the world.

"Warrnambool, the south west and the Great Ocean Road will once again welcome the nation's finest cyclists for a super weekend of cycling," he said.

The Port Campbell to Warrnambool Handicap, also on the Saturday, and the Warrnambool criterium, which is planned for the Sunday, will feature in 2021 too.

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