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2016 winner Ben Dyball

Spirit of Tasmania will continue their support of the Tour of Tasmania and has been announced as the official naming rights partner of the 2017 event.

Around 100 of Australia’s best male cyclists are set to pedal their way around Northern Tasmania for the iconic Spirit of Tasmania Cycling Tour, from 6 – 10 November.

The Spirit of Tasmania Cycling Tour will attract the best Australian teams and elite domestic male cyclists as they battle it out to become the Subaru National Road Series (NRS) champion across the infamous Tasmanian landscape. The Event is one of only seven NRS races and will round out the 2017 calendar.

Race Director John Trevorrow announced, “We are very excited to have Spirit of Tasmania return as naming rights sponsor of this iconic event in 2017”.
“It is an excellent fit to be able to align this event with such an iconic brand for Tasmania, and it is fantastic to be able to encourage more people to travel on the Spirit of Tasmania to visit this beautiful state” said Mr Trevorrow.

The Tour will consist of five stages, starting with a Prologue in Launceston (6 November), George Town to Grindelwald (7 November), Launceston to Poatina (8 September), Ulverstone to Penguin (9 November) and Criterium in Devonport (10 November).

Hundreds of people are expected to line local streets, giving communities across Northern Tasmania the chance to see their cycling heroes in action.

Mr Nick Harriman, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Spirit of Tasmania, said he was pleased to support the cycling tour and help make it possible for athletes to compete against the best in Australia.
The Tour has changed dates to coincide with the Stan Sjieka Cycling Classic on the 12 November and to also attract school groups to the start and finish of each stage (the event was previously held in school holidays).

Aside from the big race, cyclists will take part in a number of community activities, including school visits, participation rides, safety awareness advocacy and Q & A sessions for students.
The support of Spirit of Tasmania and alliance to Australian Cycling has demonstrated the ability to host elite sports in Northern Tasmania, as well as highlight the appetite for cyclists and cycling fans to travel to Tasmania for a unique cycling experience.

“Tasmania is the perfect destination for cycling tourism. Spirit of Tasmania is very pleased to put its name to supporting young Tasmanians achieving excellence in their sport while also promoting Tasmania for the benefit of the tourism sector and the broader economy” said Mr Harriman.

For more information visit www.touroftasmania.com
Kate Rankin, Business Development Manager, John Trevorrow Race Director