Action aplenty as Tour hits region

A SMALL crowd gathered on Wednesday to watch as 141 cyclists took to the streets of Swan Hill as part of the Tour of the Murray River.

Day 2 of the tour saw the riders complete 30 laps in a criterium on McCallum Street.

Almost every rider completed 30 laps of the 1.1km circuit of McCallum Street between Splatt Street and Stradbroke Avenue.

The cyclists, and Swan Hill, received plenty of national news coverage, with a crew from SBS present to record the event.

Among the crows were primary school students who had come to cheer and watch the competition.

Tour of the Murray River race director Marty Tobin said 40 per cent more riders were taking part in the men’s event compared to last year, while the women’s race has seen a 200 per cent jump in the number of entrants.

“I think the numbers are building,” Mr Tobin said. 

“It’s a very European style of racing and is considered one of the better races outside of the European circuit.”

Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Les McPhee presented jerseys to the winner and two runners-up.

“It’s great to see the number of riders is increasing every year because it’s a great way to get some national coverage of Swan Hill,” Cr McPhee said.

“People should be aware that the road race will continue further down in Kerang and in other towns along the Murray, so remember to be mindful of cyclists along the way.”

The tour of the Murray River started in Mildura on July 29 and will continue until August 3, where cyclists will participate in a criterium in Yarrawonga.