CYCLISTS from around Australia took to the hills during the three-day Tour of Bright, which ended on Sunday.
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Race director Aaron Smith said the strong field included international rider Annemiek van Vleuten, of the Netherlands.
“You don’t get better than that, she was leading the Olympics road race this year at one point,” Mr Smith said.
“Elite men was won by Chris Harper, he beat the guy who won last year, I believe, Ben Dyball by five seconds so that was a pretty close tussle at the end.”
The 23rd running of the tour, which is organised by Alpine Cycling Club, included an individual time trial and the Gaps Loop Road stage before finishing with an ascent of Mount Hotham.
Mr Smith said the event’s format and location remained key to its success.
“You can’t beat riding around here,” he said. “It’s basically a Tour de France-type situation for a club racer.”
The race director said competitors appreciated the chance to ride the big hills.
“It’s up there with the best in the world,” Mr Smith said.