Nicola Rutzou
This week saw the official launch of Australia’s oldest and longest one-day race, the Melbourne to Warrnambool, affectionally known as ‘The Warrny’, scheduled for 8 February 2025.
The race is the second on the newly minted ProVelo Super League’s calendar, following the three-stage South Australian opener from 18 to 20 January.
Some see Melbourne to Warrny as one of the biggest races for Australian professionals. For Aussies Simon Gerrans, Cam Scott, and Jensen Plowright, it has served as a critical stepping stone toward the international stage.
At the launch, last year’s winner Mark O’Brien said, “I first watched it when I was eight years old, so I saw some champions win and after my second in 2010, it’s been a huge event, and some of my friends have won it and gone to the top tier, so I am over the moon to be the current title holder – it’s surreal to be a winner, and finally do it ….but if anything it’s made me keen to go back and defend and what an honour to have the number 1 on my back, which is a novelty for someone like me that doesn’t win all that often.” The women’s version of the race will take place on Sunday, 9 February, from Colac to Warrnambool.
