Race organisers of the fifth Battle on the Border Cycling Festival are pleased to report that 19 NRS teams have entered so far, and over 450 racers are competing in the Tour de Tweed, which is only 80 entries short of the record 2012 figures. With another four weeks left before the May 2–5 event starts, 2013 is shaping up to be the biggest Battle the Queensland and New South Wales border has ever seen.
Indications from Cycling Australia suggest at least 20 NRS men and 12 NRS women will compete in the tour and perhaps more as many men’s teams will continue on the following weekend to the Tour of Toowoomba.
The Tour de Tweed is renowned for country styled racing on challenging courses with numerous hills and mountains and the courses set for the 2013 Tour are considered the most challenging in its five year history.
Masters Men A, B and C are already full with some grades on a waiting list. Elite Men combined divisions have up to 40 spots remaining open; and the Under-17 Men has already over 20 entries.
Women’s combined B, C, D and Under-17 entries have already exceeded the biggest number in the Battle’s history.
There are indications that international touring teams from New Zealand and Asia are also likely to attend, which will certainly increase pressure on local riders.
The Tour de Tweed offers racing and invites riders from all clubs and teams to attend a unique Cycling Festival, which is based on the Tweed coast with much of the racing conducted through the Mt Warning Caldera and Tweed Valley. All grades except NRS Men compete in a four stage tour starting with a road race on the Friday; then an Individual time trial and a criterium on the Saturday to finish with another road race on the Sunday. NRS Men start the tour on Thursday with a gruelling road race from the Pt Danger/Duranbah beach and travel into Byron Shire before finishing with a hill climb up the Mt Warning volcano.
The Battle on the Border Cycling Festival operates from the Salt Resort and offers families and supporters a great social and recreational holiday with numerous tourist and cultural destinations. With easy access from the Gold Coast airport in just 15 minutes, resorts and accommodation are available on the coast or in the beautiful Tweed Valley.
Entries close on April 21 though it is expected most grades will be full beforehand. Further information can be found at tourdetweed.com.au and battleontheborder.com.au or by calling the QSMsports office on 07 3124 6099.
