Riders saddle up for Tour

More than 600 cyclists are expected to descend on the region this weekend for the annual Tour of Margaret River pro-am cycling event.

The ride will challenge participants with a 42km team time trial to Nannup on Friday, followed by a 50km road race from Nannup to Greenbushes on Saturday. Riders will also face a 71km road race from Nannup to Ballingup and a 42km team time trial in the same area on Sunday.

Busselton Cycle Club committee member Phil Magee said five Busselton teams, including one women’s team, would be competing against about 100 other teams including semi-professional and international riders.

“This is the first time we’ve had a women’s team which is quite a good achievement,” he said.

“It’s sort of like a grand final for the riders — it’s a good finish to the season.”

Mr Magee said the hilly terrain of each stage would be challenging for local riders.

“It’s very hilly from Nannup out to Greenbushes so that will be a challenge,” he said.

“The fields are quite big too with more than 600 riders — most of the rides around here attract only a couple of hundred riders at the most.”

The Dunsborough Bike Shed and the Geographe Grinders will also enter teams in the event.

Spectators and motorists are urged to be aware of delays and road closures in the vicinity of the race courses during the weekend. For details visit tourofmargaretriver.com.