Two Upper Murray cycling events have been the beneficiaries of federal government funding grants.
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The newly created Mitta Valley Gravel Grinder event scheduled to take place in November has received $20,000 and a further $10,000 will go towards a stage of the Victorian Open Road Series to be held in the Upper Murray on April 3-4 next year.
The Gravel Grinder will start and finish in Mitta and cover a distance of 55km and expected to attract 200 participants plus support crews.
"We know Towong Shire suffered an economic loss in excess of $36 million during the summer's bushfires, without accounting for the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," Victorian Senator Jane Hume said.
"These grants will support the establishment of new and varied events, bringing tourists to our great region and rebuilding the local economy."
A Towong Shire spokesperson said the Mitta Valley Gravel Grinder was an exciting event.
"It will meet the growing demand for gravel racing, leveraging on the wealth of quiet, scenic gravel roads throughout the Mitta Valley, passing farm gates, authentic pubs, breweries and the pristine Mitta Valley countryside," they said.
Mayor David Wortmann said that the event will make a significant contribution in the recovery from the summer bushfires.
"The Mitta Valley tourism industry is highly reliant on tourists travelling the Omeo Highway which was closed in early November 2019 following the ignition of the bushfires in neighbouring Gippsland, and is still experiencing decreased traffic due to COVID-19 restrictions," he said.
"This event will showcase the uniqueness of the Mitta Valley as a prime gravel riding destination, encouraging return visitation to the region and working to stimulate the local economy."
