"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Question for Aussie and UK racer/members

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?

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?

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.

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.

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

More info on the Victorian state calander here (http://www.vic.cycling.org.au/Racing/racinghome.htm). if you look at previous fixtures and results it will give more of an idea.