To all our riders, volunteers, stakeholders, friends and families, and everyone in the Alpine region.
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing bushfire emergency, we have been forced to announce the cancellation of the 34th edition of the Alpine Classic, which was set to be hosted on the 25th and 26th of January 2020.
Our primary concern has always been to make sure that, if we do run the event, we can ensure the safety of everybody involved – our riders, our wonderful volunteers, and all our other stakeholders in the Alpine Region. Over the past week, we have been in regular consultation with a number of local authorities and the emergency services. They have now told us that we must cancel this year’s event. It is clear that we have no other option.
On 3 January 2020, a State of Disaster was declared in response to the fires burning in the North East and Alpine areas of Victoria and East Gippsland. The Alpine Region falls within this area and is currently experiencing active bushfires which are affecting all the roads used to run the Alpine Classic. A number of communities have already been directly impacted by fires.
The fires are predicted to worsen again as the weather heats up later this week, and we are advised that they may continue to burn for weeks, if not months. Weather conditions are currently concentrating smoke in the Alpine valleys, and air quality is predicted to stay extremely poor in the region.
It is with enormous regret that we have to announce that – for only the second time in the event’s history – we cannot run the event for this year.
For all our registered riders, we will be in touch with you directly by email with further information. Please email info@o2events.com.au if you have not received this information.
Recovery will be difficult for the region and we want to be part of helping local communities return to normal. Bright and its surrounds form one of Australia’s greatest cycling destinations as well as being a brilliant destination for family holidays, and the Alpine Classic brings a huge benefit to the region in visitor numbers and dollars.
We would love to see as many riders and their families come to the 2021 ride, to make this event shine once more and bring the region back to life for the Australia Day weekend. 2021 Alpine Classic has been confirmed for the 23rd & 24th of January with registrations now open via the event website. For every new rider who registers for the 2021 event before the end of February 2020, we will donate $20 to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
We want to send a massive thank you to all the emergency services workers and volunteers for their efforts in protecting the Alpine region.
Our thoughts are with all the communities that have been affected by the fires across Australia, particularly those who have lost their homes or their loved ones.
Phil, Dan, Kane & Jordan
Alpine Classic Co.
