John Eren Minister for Tourism and Major Events Thursday, 1 December, 2016 CHRIS FROOME HEADLINES SUMMER OF CYCLING Three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome will headline Victoria’s summer of cycling as he returns to defend his Jayco Herald Sun Tour crown and ride in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race for the first time. The British star will saddle up for Team Sky in the 64th running of Australia’s oldest stage race, after turning out for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Chris Froome is a giant of world cycling, but he’ll be put to the test by Columbia’s Orica-BikeExchange star Esteban Chaves over what promises to be an action packed Jayco Herald Sun Tour. The three-time le Tour winner becomes the second world icon of cycling to compete in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, after compatriot Mark Cavendish raced last year. Froome’s appearances headline what promises to be a world-class summer of cycling in Victoria. We’re fast becoming Australia’s cycling capital, with events all over the state including: • The Oceania Track Cycling Championships • The Austral Wheel Race and the Australian Madison Championships • The Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic • The Cycling Australia Road National Championships • The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race • The Jayco Herald Sun Tour. The biggest and best cycling events attract visitors in their thousands, creating opportunities for businesses and jobs for locals. It’s a rare opportunity for rural Victorian communities to shine before big audiences – and that changes people’s lives for the better. This year’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour showcases the best of everything in Victoria. After a Prologue in Melbourne’s CBD, Stage One begins in Wangaratta and ends at Falls Creek. Beechworth, Benalla, the Mitchelton Winery and Kinglake will also feature. The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will be held between January 27 and 29, before the Jayco Herald Sun Tour between February 1 and 5. Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren “Sport’s biggest and best names belong in Victoria. Chris Froome is a giant of world cycling, and we’re delighted he’s racing exclusively here in Victoria.” “Our cycling events aren’t just great spectacles, they’re big boosts to the economy too – and that puts people first. The big races give regional and rural communities their chance to shine.” Media Contact: Patrick Lane 0437 884 010 | [email protected] .