Two-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome will spearhead Team Sky at the 2016 Jayco Herald Sun Tour – the champion’s only Australian appearance.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today joined Jayco Herald Sun Tour organisers to announce the major coup that consolidates Victoria’s claim as one of the best destinations for professional cycling outside Europe.
Froome, 30, is one of the sport’s most decorated competitors and accomplished cyclists. He is the reigning Tour de France champion, after first winning the prestigious event in 2013. He won an Olympic bronze medal in 2012, and was a stage winner at the 2011 Vuelta a Andaluca.
It will be the second time Froome has taken part in the tour, after debuting as a 23-year-old for Barloworld in 2008, and finishing fourth on the overall general classification. Froome represented his native Kenya at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, finishing 17th in the time trial and 25th in the mountain bike event.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is another flagship date on Victoria’s impressive calendar of events that draws visitors from all over Australia and highlights the best of everything our State has to offer. From the smallest towns to the big regional centres, the Tour gives our communities a unique opportunity to showcase their strengths.
The 2016 Tour again begins with a Prologue time trial from Federation Square to Southbank, before riders head east for Stage 1 at Healesville. They will then race from Yarra Glen to Moe, before Stage 3 takes in Traralgon and Inverloch. The tour finishes with a gruelling 122km loop around Arthurs Seat.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is just one of the sporting events the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support.
The Tour begins February 3.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“Victoria is fast establishing itself as one of the flagship locations outside Europe for the big cycling events, and welcoming one of the sport’s giants only serves to grow our global reputation.”
“The big names at the big events mean visitors to Victoria from all over the nation and the world wanting to see their heroes. They’re crucial to the economy and to the jobs of thousands of Victorians.”
“The Jayco Herald Sun Tour gives regional communities a unique opportunity to showcase the best of everything they have to offer.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021