Community
25 October, 2024
$200,000 pledge
THE immediate future of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Festival was secured yesterday with a state government pledge of $200,000 over two years.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora made the announcement while in Warrnambool late yesterday afternoon, saying she was thrilled to see such an important sporting event on the local calendar receive funding.
“Victoria is the nation’s sporting capital and we’re backing even more of the sporting drawcards that support communities, businesses and athletes while delivering thousands of visitors to destinations (such as Warrnambool) across the state,” Ms Ermacora said.
“More sporting events means a win for sports fans and for local jobs, drawing visitors and delivering more benefits to regional businesses across accommodation, hospitality, tourism and retail.”
Ms Ermacora said this week’s funding allocation provides security over two years and reflects the strength and importance of the Melbourne to Warrnambool (M2W) events in recent years.
‘It’s a historic event with a big future.”
The M2W was first held in 1895 and is the world’s second oldest one-day cycling race.
It is also the longest cycling race in the southern hemisphere.
The festival also includes the Port Campbell to Warrnambool community handicap race for club cyclists, the men’s M2W from Avalon Airport and the ‘Women’s Warrnie’ from Colac.
Organisers anticipate 340 athletes will enter next year’s event, attracting more than 2,600 spectators en route.
