What better way for a cyclist to enjoy the Queen's Birthday long weekend than to join in the challenge of the Gippsland 3-Day Tour.

The tour was first run in 1964 and has a rich history with some of great local and national champions taking the honours over the years.

The annual event typically consists of 4 stages over the 3 days and is jointly hosted by three of the five Gippsland cycling clubs, each taking responsibility for one or two stages. Individual stages are held in the region of the host club so it's not uncommon to race stages in and around Warragul, Leongatha, the Latrobe Valley, Sale or Bairnsdale.

Whatever the location, you can be assured of quality racing, challenging courses through picturesque countryside and a warm, friendly environment.

The 2011 Edition
This years event will consist of:

Stage 1 (Wellington CC):
Road Race on the 26.3km Heyfield-Glenmaggie-Seaton circuit with KOM and sprint points on each lap.

Stage 2 (Warragul CC):
Individual Time Trial also at Shady Creek over 8.77km

Stage 3 (Warragul CC):
Road Race on the 16.8km Shady Creek circuit with sprint points on each lap and KOM points on all but the first lap.

Stage 4 (Latrobe City CC):
Road race at Willow Grove

More details on stages here.

Of course, women are welcome to enter the 3 Day Tour and if sufficient entries are received women's races will be held. Otherwise women will be included in the graded races at each stage. This year only A Grade will be timed, B, C & D Grade will be points based.

Entry is restricted to Gippsland club members, plus others who have previously been members of Gippsland clubs, or who have family connections in Gippsland. Anyone who is not a member of a Gippsland club needs to get written permission from CSV to ride the event. CSV have indicated they will only permit previous members or person with family ties.

Race fees are $50.00 and registrations close 6 June 2011.

View the race rules here.