AFTER the success of the event 12 months ago, the NSW Junior Cycling Tour will return to Port Macquarie on June 1 and 2.
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Cycling NSW CEO Graham Seers said they are "delighted" to be returning to the Hastings for the event - a joint initiative of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Cycling NSW and the Port Macquarie Cycle Club.
"It's a beautiful part of the world, and we know that riders and their families will enjoy their weekend here," Seers said.
Seers has a close association with the region, having founded the local cycling club and a bicycle shop in Port Macquarie that bears his name.
"We're delighted that the council have chosen to get behind this event again," he said.
"Our sport relies heavily on the support of local councils to run successful races of this scale.
"Regional events like this inspire local kids to get on a bike and ride for themselves, too."
The Port Macquarie Junior Tour will comprise a road race on the Saturday followed by individual time trials and criterium races on Sunday.
All events will take place at or around the criterium track at Lake Innes.
Seers believes the Tour will attract the best junior cyclists from across the state.
"The Port Macquarie Junior Tour is a state selection event," he said.
"The top under-15 and under-17 riders will be looking for good results so they can qualify for a place on the NSW state team."
The Tour is open to boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 16. Entrants will race against other competitors within their age group.
Last year's inaugural event attracted 111 competitors, including riders who have gone on to become national champions.
The Tour will also form part of the National Junior Road Series (NJRS), a season-long, Australia-wide competition that culminates in a series winner being crowned at the National Championships.
Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peta Pinson said it was a further boost to the local region as a sporting stronghold.
"We're proud that our region has the facilities and support from our community to host elite state and national sporting events," she said.
"Our cycling facility with criterium track and clubhouse is the perfect venue for the NSW Junior Cycling Tour.
"We look forward to welcoming another round of future cycling champions and seeing them out and about having fun in our beautiful region."
