A host of debut events, returning favourites and new racing options are set to ignite the 2017 edition of the Subaru National Road Series (NRS) and Subaru NSWIS will be in the thick of it.

 

The provisional calendar for Australia’s premier domestic racing series will feature 15 events and be showcased across 58 days of racing – an increase of 40% on 2016.

 

The Subaru NRS will begin in February with the new women’s Tour of East Gippsland, and will culminate with the Tour of Tasmania, which moves to November.

 

The Men’s Subaru NRS season will expand to 11 events and 33 days of racing and is punctuated by the inclusion of three new events and one returning favourite.

 

The Camden to Goulburn one-day classic will make its Subaru NRS debut, as will the Tour of Margaret River, while the Amy’s Otway Tour will feature men for the first time. The Battle on the Border returns to the men’s schedule after a year hiatus.

 

Five additional racing options into the women’s season will see it grow to ten events and 25 days of racing in 2017.

 

With two 2016 events in the Santos Women’s Tour and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race being elevated to UCI status, two events will make their Subaru NRS debut, with the Tour of East Gippsland and Tour of South West being elevated to the national calendar.

 

The popular Tour of Goldfields returns to the calendar, while the women will also ride alongside the men at the Tour of Margaret River.

 

In another great result for women’s cycling, the Subaru NRS will officially feature a women’s Melbourne to Warrnambool race with the women’s event elevated to national status.

 

“Cycling Australia, with the support of our valued event promoters, has worked hard throughout 2016 to ensure we secure better outcomes and identify developments opportunities for the coming seasons,” said Cycling Australia CEO Nicholas Green OAM.

 

“Cycling Australia has been encouraged by the interest from promoters and teams in the 2017 season and with their commitment, we have secured an increase of events and total days of racing for both men and women.

 

“It great to see four more dual events in 2017, including the addition of men’s racing to the Amy’s Otway Tour, with the women to race the iconic Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic for the first time.

 

“And in what is a truly national series, six states and territories will see men’s and women’s racing next season.”

 

The expansion of the Series and racing options for 2017 comes after the appointment of additional management resources by Cycling Australia to oversee the Series.

 

Currently negotiations are underway regarding the broadcast partner for 2017 and beyond, with details to be announced soon.

 

“While we are proud to be able to deliver these positive outcomes for the 2017 season, Cycling Australia remains committed to continuing the development and improvement of the Subaru NRS,” Green concluded.

 

Provisional 2017 Subaru NRS Calendar

Tour of East Gippsland, 18-19 February, VIC, Women

Battle on the Border, 29 April – 1 May, Nth NSW, Men & Women

Tour of South West, 6-7 May, VIC, Women

Mersey Valley Tour, 12-14 May, TAS, Women

Grafton Inverell, 13 May 2017, NSW, Men

Tour of the Great South Coast 26-30 July 17, VIC & SA, Men

Tour of the King Valley, 25-27 August 17, VIC, Men & Women

Camden to Goulburn, 10 September 2017, NSW, Men

Amy’s Otway Tour, 16-17 September 17, VIC, Men & Women

National Capital Tour, 22-24 September 17, ACT, Men & Women

Melbourne to Warrnambool, 14 October 2017, VIC, Men & Women

Tour of Gippsland, 18-22 October 17, VIC, Men

Tour of Margaret River, 10-12 November 17, WA, Men & Women

Tour of Tasmania, 17-22 Nov 2017, TAS, Men

Tour of Goldfields, TBC, VIC, Women

 

(PIC: Cycling Australia)