***Last updated 05/04/2024 08:46pm***
EXCITING TIMES – SCC JUNIOR TOUR 2024 ON APRIL 20TH/21ST – ONLY 2 WEEKS TO GO !!!
Please help us out by nominating earlier as you can as this helps with many things we have to do & plan for. Numbers are coming in but it would be much appreciated if you get your noms in as soon as you can.
The beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula in the Southern Vales region amongst the vineyards. in South Australia offers some of the best cycling in Australia and it is alive with spectators and the world’s best cyclists each year during the Tour Down Under. This excitement and atmosphere will be replicated by our junior cyclists during the SCC Junior Tour.
THE TOUR
The tour will be based in the Southern Vales region amongst McLaren Vales Vineyards, the district has fantastic facilities and plenty for the supporting families to do before and after the racing. The courses are all new to previous events with new challenges, but most importantly they remain on the low traffic areas of the State for the conducting of a safe event.
This event, in its 54th year, has a strong history of seeing junior cyclists competing at the highest level in conditions and courses similar to that of the Elite World Tour cyclists. This year has been modelled to give all the juniors a chance to shine with a Road stage, Time trial, another Road Stage and a Hill Climb for each U17 & 15 age and gender groups, U13 will compete on Day 1 only doing the Road & Time trial. U19’s for the first time will be able to race both stages on the Sunday.
This Junior Tour has been a stepping stone for many cyclists who have progressed to represent Australia at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Some have joined an UCI World Tour Team and raced in The Tour de France. These riders form an impressive list of champions and include Alexandra Manly, Annette Edmondson, Alex Edmondson, Miles Scotson, Josh Harrison, Brett Aitken, Stuart O’Grady and Callum Scotson to name a few.
The 2022 Tour included the hill climb stage 4 up the famous Willunga Hill, 2023 was Wickham’s Hill but this time it’s Penny’s Hill road climb which is a great challenge that will certainly test the legs.
A few need to know things …
- Volunteers – we will be calling for volunteers very soon – if you are keen to help us – please lookout for some info on this vitally important role.
- Tour program for 2024 is HERE – please have a read before the race day if possible. Note that this year’s riders/start list is not included as nominations are still open.
- Riders must have a flashing red light attached to the rear of your bike when racing. We believe our friends from interstate may not be aware of this requirement when racing on open roads in S.A. Stage 2 ITT is also worth considering a white flashing light on the front to help with visibility of riders heading back down to the finish line for the last km of the stage.
- Parking at Vinpac (our HQ for the weekend) for Saturday and Sunday – we cannot thank the fantastic people at Vinpac who are once again allowing us to use their awesome facilities as our Head quarters for the Junior Tour.
In addition to our social media updates on Facebook and instagram – this is the place to come for latest information on the “South Coast Cycling Club Junior Tour” which will be run on April 20th/21st 2024. We would like to acknowledge & show our appreciation for the support from The City of Onkaparinga and Velo-Pro Visit Velo-Pro HERE & we look forward to a great event.
This year U13’s will do stages1&2 on Saturday only, U15’s & U17’s all 4 stages over the 2 days and U19’s will be able to do both stages 3&4 on the Sunday.
NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN RIGHT NOW ON ENTRYBOSS HERE
Junior Tour Guide Maps- All Stages – images are below with stage 4 all new for 2024 and some adjustments to stage 3. Click on each map for a larger preview.
GPX FILES for all stages can be downloaded from here … GPX FILES
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS – can you help us ? We have so many jobs to do for the Junior Tour including putting out traffic signs, sign-on duties, bbq cooks & helpers, chaperones for the U13 riders, follow cars, sag wagon, lead cars, helpers to setup/packup etc etc
McLaren Vale – INFORMATION
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast – McLaren Vale (mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au)
ACCOMODATION OPTIONS
Caravans parks within easy reach of the start lines, between 5 – 30 mins drive:
McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park – Top Holiday Park Members
Pink Gum Campground – Onkaparinga River
Onkaparinga… – National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
For more accommodation options speak to the very friendly staff at the McLaren & Fleurieu Coast visitors centre. Contact information can be found here:
Official Tourism Site: McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast (mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au)
Family friendly Mclaren Vale – stay ride and Play
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast – Family Friendly (mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au)
Cycling – Can’t fit all the family bikes on the car – bike hire available in McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast – Cycling (mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au)