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 2010 Edition
This years event will consist of:

Stage 1 (Latrobe City CC):
6km time trial starting in Tarwin Street, Boolarra following Limonite Road, Boolarra South Road, Boolarra-Foster Road, Boolarra-Churchill Road and finishing in Penaluna Street

Stage 2 (Latrobe City CC):
Road race on a 25km circuit at Boolarra. A Grade: 100km, B Grade: 75km, C Grade: 50km including KOM and intermediate sprints for all grades.

Stage 3 (Warragul CC):
Road race on a 17km circuit at Shady Creek including KOM and intermediate sprints for all grades.

Stage 4 (Leongatha CC):
Road race starting and finishing at Wonthaggi Reserve proceeding to complete several laps of the Lance Creek - Kongwak - Korrine circuit. Each grade will contest a number of KOM and intermediate sprints during the race.

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.

More details here.

Race fees are $40.00 and registrations close 6 June 2010.

View the race rules here.