Alpine Classic

The Alpine Classic is a great way to see Victoria’s high country mountain up close

The Alpine Classic is Australia’s toughest one day cycling event with over 2000 cyclists riding 8 courses ranging from moderate to very challenging in Victoria’s scenic high country.

This ride which has been running for over 30 years now, is held over the Australia Day long weekend in Bright. And what a fantastic way to celebrate Australia Day! It’s also a great way to climb some of Australia’s beautiful high country. The town of Bright is on the North side of the southern snowy ranges just off the Hume Highway (M31), which links Melbourne to Sydney. It is about 310 km North East of Melbourne and 85 km south-east of Wangaratta. To get there, you can take the train to Wangaratta and then a coach to Bright with V/Lines.

The Alpine Classic is held over over distances of 60km, 70 km, 130 km, 140 km, 200 km, 250km (2 routes) and the 320km.

The original 200km  Alpine Classic ride is, in most cases, still the best. What started out as a bit of fun with a few mates from Audax, has become a true icon of the cycling calendar. Long before the Tour Down Under was staged, cyclists were coming to the snow country in need of some elevation.

The original 200km route which is the Alpine Classic, rides from Bright to Falls Creek and return. Starting up with the sun, is the iconic Mt Buffalo and then off to the climb of Falls Creek via Tawonga gap (twice). It’s an easy 200km with around 3600+m elevation gain!

As the ride has become more popular, different routes have been introduced. The routes can be in individual climbs of the casual 60km climb of  Mt Beauty, the 70 km climb of Mt Buffalo or the 130 km out and back of Falls Creek. The Classic is still the 200 km, 4 climbs, with the newer 250 km Alpine Raid, 250 km Ace and 320 km Ultimate.

The Alpine Raid is held over 2 days, with an overnight stay near Omeo or push on to Anglers Rest. The only reprieve is that you get to go up the back of falls at WTF (Way To Falls) with fresher legs.

The Town of Bright does throw a bit of a party with a French-inspired festival, the “Bonjour Bright Festival” that will take care of any non-riders in your travelling party.

You’ll find other cycling events, like the Alpine Classic, in our online Cycling Event Calendar.

Enjoy!