Glen Innes will be a key location as the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic passes through the town on Saturday, 15 March 2025. Residents and visitors are encouraged to gather along Grey Street to watch the event, support local businesses, and experience the community atmosphere.
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “It’s exciting to see the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic coming through the heart of Glen Innes this year, giving our community a front-row seat to one of Australia’s most challenging cycling races. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the action up close, support our local businesses and showcase our town to a national audience. I encourage everyone to come down to Grey Street, soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the riders as they race through our town centre.”
The Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic is regarded as one of Australia’s most challenging road cycling events. The race begins in the Clarence Valley and follows the Gwydir Highway into the New England High Country, attracting cyclists from across Australia and internationally.
Chris Thompson, Event Director of the Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell, said, “The Grafton to Inverell has the reputation as Australia’s toughest one-day cycling race. It is the 64th edition of this iconic race whose list of winners and participants boasts many riders who have Olympic Games and Tour de France success. It has continued to be an important event in the development pathway for many of Australia’s aspiring cyclists, and it is fitting that it is a feature event of the new ProVelo Super League (PSL).”
This year, Glen Innes will be an important part of the race, with cyclists competing for a sprint point near the Australian Standing Stones before riding through the town centre along Grey Street. A Feed Station will be established along the route with the support of local volunteers, while live radio coverage will provide updates throughout the day.
Aaron Flanagan, Co-Founder of the PSL, said, “Bringing elite cycling back to our townships and city centres to create an exciting experience for both the riders and spectators of the ProVelo Super League is a core pillar of our strategic vision. Congratulations to Glen Innes Severn Council for embracing this opportunity and throwing its support behind this iconic race.”
Chris Thompson also noted the importance of the event to communities along the route, stating, “It is very important for the race to maintain the connection to the communities that are showcased along the 229km route. We welcome the opportunity to bring the action back into the heart of Glen Innes at a point in the race that is often decisive in deciding the final selection of riders that will contest the finish in Inverell.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in the event by gathering along Grey Street to support the cyclists as they pass through town.
Where to Watch the Race The best and safest viewing area will be on the western side of Grey Street, between Wentworth Street and Meade Street. Riders will be passing through between 9:15 am and 2:00 pm, with the final support vehicle, or “Sag Wagon,” marking the end of the race procession.
Broadcast and Media Coverage SBS will provide coverage of the race through Glen Innes, and residents can also tune in to StarFM in the Town Centre for live radio broadcasts. Highlights will be aired on Sunday, 16 March from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.
For more information about the event, visit: www.graftontoinverell.com.au
Road Closures and Traffic Changes To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, temporary road closures will be in place on race day:
- Gwydir Highway between Bald Nob Road (Bald Nob) and Tindall Road (Grafton) will be closed from 5:15 am to 1:30 pm.
- Grey Street (western side, northbound) between Wentworth Street and Ferguson Street in Glen Innes will be closed from 7:00 am to 2:15 pm. The eastern side (southbound) will remain open to traffic, with parking available.
- Rolling road closures will occur along the Gwydir Highway, Church Street, Wentworth Street, and additional sections between Glen Innes and Inverell from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm, escorted by police and official vehicles.
Motorists are advised to be cautious, follow detour signs, and be mindful of cyclists and support vehicles throughout the day.
