Hundreds of cyclists to battle it out around Tweed Valley

The Battle on the Border cycling festival is set to return to the Tweed Valley from 3 to 5 June, with hundreds of cyclists from across Australia and New Zealand taking part.

It is the eighth year that the cycling event has taken place.

Tweed MP Geoff Provest said the Battle on the Border was proudly supported by the state government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

‘As a key event on the annual cycling calendar, the Battle on the Border offers a multi-stage, multi-division race held over four days, with cyclists taking on the challenging hills and valleys in the spectacular setting of the Tweed region,’ Mr Provest said.

‘I encourage all cyclists and visitors to get familiar with everything about the wonderful NSW North Coast – from the beautiful beaches, national parks to the great shopping, restaurants and beachfront accommodation.’

A feature of the Battle will be the Women’s National Road Series, with champion Tessa Fabry  returning to defend her title, as well as the team title, taken out by her High5 Dream Team.

Race director Michael Crawley said showcasing the Tweed and developing Australian cyclists was in ‘the DNA’ of the Battle.

Amongst the other eight divisions racing is local Murwillumbah Cycle Club member Daniel Mena in Masters Division 4.

Mena is returning after winning the first stage of the tour last year and finishing third overall. He is part of a core group of local participants that have supported the Battle since it first hit the bitumen in 2009.

As well, the Battle will also feature Gran Fondo long distance social rides. These rides are a fun way to explore the spectacular Tweed Coast with cyclists able to participate in rides over three distances from 50km to 150km.

More information at www.battleontheborder.com.au.