Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Chris Froome, winner of the 2013 Tour de France and one of the world's best known and most iconic bicycle racers, will be visiting Tasmania in December 2014. Chris, along with his Team Sky riding partner, Tasmania's Richie Porte will be a joined in an elite men's race by approximately 100 of Australia's best national road series riders. This boosts the profile of the race, the Stan Siejka cycling classic, and Tasmania, showcasing our state and providing an opportunity to further diversify our tourism sector. That is one reason why we are also building the Derby and Blue Tier mountain bike trails, where the next two Australian Championships will be held.

I thank Richie Porte for his promotion of cycling and promoting his home state to the world, and in attracting Chris Froome to Tasmania. As patron of cycling in Tasmania, I can inform the House that it is one of the most popular forms of exercise. In a typical week, almost a hundred thousand Tasmanians, just over half the households in our state, have access to a bike and ride recreationally. I also commend the staff and volunteers of the Stan Siejka cycling classic for their efforts in promoting cycling locally and providing support to Tasmania's many cyclists. A quick plug as well for Sally's Ride, a charity event which is being run by the Rotary Club of Central Launceston on Sunday, 7 December. I encourage people to go to the website and join this festival of cycling in Tasmania.