EventServices

How prevalent are small amateur stage races in the UK and Australia? Are they popular?
Is it pretty much the same as the US? 3- or 4-day event based on points?
Are they usually low-key affairs held in the boonies? Or do some get some decent attention?

elgalad

I live in South Australia, and stage races are non-existant. However, there are a few of them held each year over winter in Victoria, and I think in New South Wales as well. They are almost exclusively 2-day events with 3-4 stages. I haven't raced any of them yet, but they do seem to be quite popular, with 70+ people in each grade. I'm heading over to do a few next year, because they suit my strengths better than the flat road races we mostly get in SA.

classic1

There are a number of them in Victoria but they are generally for our 'Cat 1 and 2' equivalents e.g Tour of Sunraysia, Tour of Gippsland. These aren't points events, they are proper timed races. There are also a couple of 'Open' two day events for juniors and all comers over the winter, which are done under the umbrella of the state federation.

Most clubs have 3 day multi-club combine stage races over the Queens Birthday weekend in June for all comers. Again, most are proper stage races, not points events.

EventServices

Excellent. Thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for. Research for a book, just so you know.

classic1

More info on the Victorian state calander here . if you look at previous fixtures and results it will give more of an idea.