Bowral Classic 2017

Riders travelled through different parts of the Highlands, from Yerinbool to Bowral and in between on 45km, 120km and 160km routes.

The queen of the mountain award went to competitor Megan Scott, and the king of the mountain was awarded to fellow rider Chris Miller.

The king of the mountain award for a team went to Cheeky Velosport.

This was followed by runner-up Travelplan, and High St. Flyers in third place.

The top riders in the 120km heat included Mireille Campbell and Tom Alexander.

Meanwhile the best riders in the 160km heat included Megan Scott and Graeme Lay.

Individual riders and teams raised $118,997.83 through this year’s event.

The money will go towards the riders’ charity of choice.

Riders will continue to collect donations until the end of the week.

The top individual fundraiser was rider Eli Lahood with $6469, and the second highest fundraiser was Themos Heracleous with $4047.

Event organiser James Yaffa said the event was for riders of all abilities.

“There’s always competitive riders. We’ve got some of the Australia’s best gran fondo riders, and people who are here to test themselves,” Yaffa said.

“People are in the event for a challenge, and the Southern Highlands can deliver it.”

Riders of all ages took part in the event, including Yaffa’s 12-year-old son and Tudor House student Alister and fellow rider Mac Collins.

The young riders competed in the 45km ride, which featured some steep hills. “The hills were really hard. It’s about getting up it without getting off the bike,” Alister said.

Yaffa said there was an economic flow-on effect for the shire, as many riders booked hotel and Airbnb accommodation, and spent money at small businesses.

“It’s a great endorsement for the Southern Highlands and Bowral,” he said. 

Entries are open for the 2018 Bowral Classic. The event will feature a new route.

Visit www.bowralclassic.com.au to sign up.