THE 77th edition of the Wal Smith Memorial Casterton 50 cycling race will be held on Saturday, April 15.
The Casterton 50 will be the feature event held over the weekend of April 15, as part of the Wal Smith Weekend of Cycling.
In addition to the Casterton 50, there will be the Junior Casterton 40 on the Saturday and the Kelpie Country Classic, Junior events and Victorian 100km Championship on the Sunday.
The weekend of cycling will draw riders from throughout the district as well as from Ballarat, Bendigo, Melbourne, Geelong and Adelaide.
With a majority of competitors staying overnight the events are expected to inject thousands of dollars into the local economy.
Saturday’s racing will be on a Casterton, Dunrobin, Casterton, Digby and return course finishing at the Casterton Town Hall.
Sunday’s racing will start and finish at the old Sandford Hotel and involve a circuit which incorporates Portland/Casterton Rd – Dunan Rd-Boiling Down Rd- Lower Coleraine Rd and Portland/Casterton Rd.
Wal Smith Cycling Foundation event chairman, Tom Smith said while the weekend of cycling had a positive impact on the local economy, it required a big group of volunteers to actual deliver the event.”
“The Casterton Lions Club, motor bike crew and Casterton traders are long-time supporters and do a sensational job of helping deliver the weekend’s event, however with increased compliance and safety requirements the foundation is now also seeking support from the wider community,” Mr Smith said.
“In 2023 we are seeking volunteers from across the region to assist us with the event.”
Volunteers will predominantly be utilised as corner marshals, so they have a chance to get up close to the racing action.
Full briefings and refreshments will be provided for all volunteers and one lucky volunteer will be drawn out to receive a $100 donation to their nominated charity or club.
Potential volunteers seeking further information or expressing interest in assisting with this key weekend of cycling should phone Mr Smith on 0439 034 113 or email tomsmith@miatourism.com.au
