The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic is an iconic Victorian sporting event which is the second oldest one-day cycling event in the world (it commenced in 1895) and the longest in the Southern hemisphere.

The 2021 edition was scheduled to be held on February 13 but had to be moved to May 1 due to the Victorian lockdown on February 12.

This year there were 235 riders (men and women) who took on the 267km course.

The terrain was varied with flat stretches and of course climbs with the longest distanced climb of 1734m which was encountered as the riders came out of Port Campbell.

Dan Johnson from Euroa took part in the event this year (Dan featured in the Euroa Gazette on January 27).

Dan Johnson said, "As the riders headed up this climb, the race unravelled and it certainly broke up the field."

Dan experienced a gruelling and challenging race with his speeds varying from 41.8km/hr to 85km/hr.

He was not far behind the A grade riders when he crossed the finish line in the time of 6 hours and 21 minutes.

He won the C grade section, and in this case he was just behind the winner of the B grade and ahead of many of the other B grade riders.

Dan has been looking forward to and training for this race for quite a while and despite its many challenges he did enjoy the experience.

We will be on the lookout for Dan featuring in many more cycling events in the future.

(The date for the 2022 event will be announced in late 2021.)