Cyclists will be relishing the start of the second Snowy Classic on April 1 which is held on closed roads.

CYCLISTS attending the Snowy Classic will be in their element on their return to Jindabyne, choosing between two distinct course distances, the 170km maxi and 110km challenge courses.

The cycling terrain in the Snowy Mountains is the best in Australia, and a huge attraction for visiting riders. The Snowy Classic courses, and particularly their climbing sections are legendary among cycling enthusiasts, and a major drawcard for cyclists.

“We're so excited to be returning for our second Snowy Classic cycling event. With over 1500 cyclists from across the country heading to the Jindabyne starting line this April 1st, and an influx of their family and friends in support to the stunning Snowy region, its sure to be a fabulous spectacle,” said a Snowy Classic event spokesperson.

One of the key attractions of the event is riding on closed roads, with riders starting and finishing at the Jindabyne Town Centre. With scenic Lake Jindabyne views greeting the competitors from the outset, the route then continues via Berridale, the Monaro plains towards Dalgety before riders negotiate the first big challenge of the day.

(Rolling road closures during the day, see link at bottom for all details)

Riders have a scenic ride with views of Lake Jindabyne in the first section of the race. PHOTO: Snowy Classic.

Leaving Jindabyne past the Banjo Paterson Inn.

The Beloka climb, known as “The Wall” is renowned as one of the toughest climbs in Australia. With an average grade of 10.6% and a maximum of 14.7%, this will challenge even the best. While riders dread this climb, they all relish the challenge, and it’s always a focal point of conversation at the finish.

The 110km competitors then finish in Jindabyne, the longer 170km route will see riders ascend the 33km to Perisher before returning back to the Jindabyne finish. Last year local rider Lachlan Harrigan was leading the 170km race with just kilometres to go, but was passed by teammate Cameron Fraser.

Fraser knows the course well, having attended high school in Jindabyne. He said he was aware Lachie wanted the race so bad. “We pulled Lachie in within the last k, I had a quick word with Lachie but we only had a kilometre to work out who was going to go for it,” said Fraser.

“Definitely as we were going up higher and higher I could feel the lack of oxygen start to take its toll. That’s where my legs were burning the most, it felt it was like a slow sort of fatigue setting in today,” commented Fraser on the Perisher climb.

Cameron Fraser wins the inn augural 170km maxi Snowy Classic in 2022. PHOTOS: Steve Cuff / Snowy Mountains Magazine

This year more riders will race, and combined with their entourage it will be a great spectacle and fantastic atmosphere at the finish line. Competing in the race are numerous local riders from various cycling clubs including Cooma and Jindabyne.

Cooma rider John Sim crosses the finish line in the 110km race in 2022.

Jindabyne Cycling Club members Kent Carpenter, Scott Carpenter and Sheryl Rotondo after the race in 2022.

Jindabyne Cycling Club's Kelsey Boreham (pink jersey) in the pack at the start in 2022.

Jindabyne Town Centre Village

The Jindabyne Town Centre carpark will be home to the 2023 village. Their will be restrictions from Friday March 31 and race day on Saturday April 1. All competitors will be registering from 3pm on Friday afternoon. The village will have merchandise and event stalls, and Saturday all riders will finish at the village area.

The Jindabyne Town Centre Village is the hub of the race including the start and finish line.

Saturday April 1st Road Closures

The Snowy Classic event will have rolling road closures throughout the day extending from Jindabyne to Hilltop, Rocky Plain, Berridale, Dalgety, Beloka and Perisher Valley. Residents and visitors are urged to plan ahead and be mindful of how rolling road closures could impact them.

The organisers have discussed the road closures with NSW Police and have made adjustments from 2022, and will open up promptly once last riders have passed.

They have introduced a number of planned escort runs along the East Jindabyne to Jindabyne stretch and vice versa to allow access to and from town from road closure time (7:15am) until the start of the event at 8:00am. Improvements have been made to the traffic plans for Kosciuszko Rd through Berridale to ensure traffic movement is continuous as a “hold/release” managed by Traffic Controllers and Police on the day.

Organisers are always open to discuss any required movements and they encourage locals to reach out via email. All information including road closure interactive map are listed on the website or get in touch via email info@snowyclassic.com.au. A flyer was also distributed via a letter box drop to local residents and businesses.

Snowy Classic Road Closure Information

Snowy Classic Road Closure Map - Click on different sections to see times of closures that may affect your road, or section of the course.

Riders cross the historic Dalgety Bridge over the Snowy River. PHOTO: Snowy Classic

Jindabyne's Lachie Harrigan (2nd from right) at the 2022 start line and below the mass start.