IMPORTANT NOTE - For this stage ALL RIDERS are to provide their own rear light. It must be attached to the bike and in working order, otherwise you will not be allowed to start the stage.

The route to Mt.Hotham is one of the most picturesque and challenging for any cyclist. A total of 55kms, the final 30 kms are all uphill, on an ascent to rival those seen in the French Alps. The initial 25kms to Harrietville is relatively calm, as the road winds lazily along the floor of the Ovens valley. At Harrietville the climb starts in earnest, and can be divided into three, ten kilometre sections.

Section one consists of an average gradient of 6.6%, but is punctuated by a 400m long section of 9% known as The Meg at the 5 kilometre point. In between is for good tempo riding, and the smart cyclist will ride efficiently, saving all their reserves for section 3.

Section two is essentially a “false flat” of only 1.8%. Here the average rider can generate some good speed, touching 30kph in sections, particularly if there is a light tailwind.

Section three is where the challenge starts. The average gradient is ‘only’ 4.9% for the section, but is highlighted by some contrasting gradients. The initial ‘pinch’ is 7% for 750m, which is followed 2 kms later by CRB hill ( 10% for 1.1km), and later by Diamantina rise (9.7% for 850m) just before the finish. Between these are two wicked, short descents, where 75 kph is the norm, before the road heads skyward again.

Starting at the Alpine Cycling Club headquarters, Coronation Avenue, Bright

Traveling via Coronation Avenue, Churchill Avenue, Delaney Avenue, Great Alpine Road.

Finishing area at The Cross (1.5km before Hotham Village).

Start times are as follows: