Almost 2000 bike riders are set to return to the Victoria's High Country when Peaks Challenge Falls Creek returns for 2024 this weekend, thanks to the tireless efforts of crews to rectify a major landslip along the route.
The Allan Labor Government welcomes the return of the internationally renowned Alpine bike riding event on 10 March.
The 2023 Peaks Challenge Falls Creek was cancelled for the first time in its more than decade long history, following the devastating October 2022 rainfall event, which caused one of the largest and most complex landslips experienced on Victoria's road network in 40 years.
Thanks to ongoing work by Major Road Projects Victoria to rectify and remediate the impacted slope face between Mt Beauty and Falls Creek above the Bogong Village - this key passage of the Peaks Challenge route is open and set to welcome back riders.
This year's instalment is expected to attract close to 2000 bike riders of all abilities to tackle the arduous 235km Gran Fondo which involves challenging mountainous ascents at Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and the back of Falls Creek. Participants have up to 13 hours to finish the event.
The popular event is expected to inject $4.2 million into the local economy in both the lead up to, and over the event weekend.
Tourism is vitally important for regional Victoria, with new data revealing the tourism spending in the state hit a new record high of almost $37 billion in the year ending September 2023.
The event is held on Sunday, 10 March 2024. For more information go to: bicyclenetwork.com.au.
As stated by the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"The Peaks Challenges Falls Creek isn't just a great spectacle, it's a big driver of our visitor economy to our state's High Country - and it's all been made possible thanks to the incredible efforts by crews to get Bogong High Plains Road open."
As stated by the Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"I'm pleased to see the return of the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek this weekend - which showcases the best of the region and delivers big benefits to the many communities surrounding Falls Creek."
As stated by Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack
"Peaks Challenge Falls Creek is a special day on the bike riding calendar, and we know our riders are extra thrilled to be back in the High Country supporting local businesses in 2024."
