World renowned endurance cyclist Mike Hall's set up for the Indian Pacific Wheel Race which starts in Fremantle on Saturday. Image:Mike Hall / KinesisUK.
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Road Racing Across Australia: Indian Pacific Wheel Race Starts On Saturday

At 6am on Saturday morning more than 70 riders will roll out of Fremantle in Western Australia and start racing their bikes 5,500km east to Sydney.

The Indian Pacific Wheel Race is a solo, completely unsupported, single-stage road race covering the width of Australia.

Participants will follow the tradition of overland cyclists who peddled their way across the Great South Land on primitive bikes, almost one hundred years ago. Like those who’ve gone before them so long ago, there’s no prize money and nothing at stake. Nothing but the honour of winning, and challenge of attempting, such a gruelling feat.

Cross-Australia rider Markus Stitz took this iconic image on his way across 90-mile straight on the Nullarbor Plain. Image IPWR/ Markus Stitz.
Cross-Australia rider Markus Stitz took this iconic image on a previous endurance ride. Image IPWR/ Markus Stitz.

​Riders from around the globe are here in Australia for the event – from high-profile adventurers through to quiet achievers. From respected endurance riders such as Mike Hall and Jesse Carlsson, through to local YouTube vloggers Durian Rider and Cycling Maven. 

 

 

Rupert Guiness Ready For His Greatest Challenge

Cycling journalist Rupert Guiness has covered some of the biggest events & names of sport for more than 30 years – come next week he’ll be swapping the laptop & Hawaiian shirt for a bike and Lycra, and becoming part of the story itself.

Rupert recently spoke of the Indian Pacific Wheel Race to a nationwide audience. “Its a race over 5470km,” he told ABC Grandstand in a radio interview.

Jesse Carlsson explains what riders can expect during the IPWR

“It goes across the Nullarbor Plain, down to Adelaide, down to Melbourne, then we take a left up through the Victorian Alps, then through Kosciuszko NP through Canberra, right past Parliament House, then to the Opera House in Sydney. In the tradition of the overlanders, riders will follow the tradition of dipping the rear wheel of the bike in the Indian Ocean at Fremantle, then upon arrival dip the front wheel in the Pacific, at Bondi Beach.”

Watch as James Raison Shows the Curve Belgie Spirit he’ll be riding in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race

Winer of the recent Race Across America (RAAM) Jesse Carlsson will be riding this Curve CXR in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race. Image: IPWR/Jesse Carlsson.
Winer of the recent Race Across America (RAAM) Jesse Carlsson will be riding this Curve CXR in the race. Image: IPWR/Jesse Carlsson.
World renowned endurance cyclist Mike Hall's set up for the Indian Pacific Wheel Race which starts in Fremantle on Saturday. Image:Mike Hall / KinesisUK.
World renowned endurance cyclist Mike Hall’s set up for the Indian Pacific Wheel Race which starts in Fremantle on Saturday. Image:Mike Hall / KinesisUK.

Leaders of the race are expected to complete the challenge in around 2 weeks. Rupert says he hopes to finish within 3 weeks, spending 12 to 15 hours in the saddle per day.

Completely unsupported, riders must look after their own nutrition, hydration and accomodation – be it sleeping bag, tent or motel .. if they are fortunate enough to find one. All participants must have a GPS system and all will be linked to online tracking software. It is up to the rider to work out what they will carry, where they will obtain food and water, and what they will do in the event of a mechanical.

Bicycling Australia stand in awe of each and every entrant and wish them good luck and safe travels. We will be bringing you news & highlights for the duration of the Indian Pacific Wheel Race.

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Cycling journalist and presenter Mike Tomalaris rode the 2015 TourXOz and is looking forward to being part of this year's event. Image: TourXOz.

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World renowned endurance cyclist Mike Hall's set up for the Indian Pacific Wheel Race which starts in Fremantle on Saturday. Image:Mike Hall / KinesisUK.

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