The Jayco Herald Sun Tour, Australia’s oldest stage race, which runs from Wednesday 1st – Sunday 5th February 2017, will debut a new final stage and a tough Falls Creek stage finish as features of the 2017 Sun Tour route.

After the now traditional open stage city-centre prologue the course will be more challenging in 2017 with the stage one finish at Falls Creek after starting in Wangaratta.

Riders will then go through Beechworth, Benalla and into Mitchelton Winery before completing four circuits of Kinglake on Sunday in what promises to be an epic final stage as the climax of the summer of cycling.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said the Jayco Herald Sun Tour was a key date on Victoria’s calendar of major sporting events.

“Victoria now has a reputation as a sought-after location for the best cyclists in the world who want to come here to start their season,” Mr Eren said.

“To have Chris Froome return to defend his title says it all and even more people will come from around the country to see him be seriously challenged this year in what promises to be a great race.”

“Events like the Jayco Herald Sun Tour aren’t just great sporting spectacles, they’re big boosts to Victoria’s economy too. This event is particularly beneficial for Victoria because it gives our rural and regional communities their chance to shine.”

Jayco Herald Sun Tour chairman Tom Salom echoed those sentiments and believes Froome and Chaves will only further inspire the growing crop of young Australian talent.

“The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is now the only international cycling event in Australia giving our young cyclists the opportunity to ride next to the best in the world in a challenging race,” Salom said.

“It is tremendous that Chris has decided to return to the Jayco Herald Sun Tour after his win this year and to have Esteban challenging him on the peaks of Falls Creek is a thrill for everyone involved.”

“For aspiring riders on all the domestic teams, the chance to ride alongside Chris and his Team Sky colleagues will be memorable, as it will be for all those watching from the road side.”

“We again thank the Victorian Government and Jayco, who continue their ongoing support for the event. “The ‘Sun Tour’ has been part of our DNA at the Herald Sun for over 60 years and with this announcement, is set to go to yet another level in 2017.”