Newcrest Orange Challenge

The Newcrest Orange Challenge is a truly epic cycle race and has cemented itself as a premier event in New South Wales cycling calendar, attracting thousands of cyclists from across the country. Located 260km west of Sydney, Orange and New South Wales Central West is a hidden gem for cycling and the perfect setting for a unique bike riding challenge. Sunburnt countryside, roaming kangaroos and quiet, rugged, car-free roads punctuated with sharp climbs promises a European classic-inspired ride with a distinct Aussie flavour. With full on-route support, the Newcrest Orange Challenge offers cyclists the opportunity to tackling one of three challenging ride distances the 70km, 100km and 170km.

Distance: 170km | Elevation: 2,200m Starting and finishing in Orange, a 170km loop through NSW’s Central West Tablelands awaits you. However, this route is no simple cycle. With no shortcuts, never-ending hills, uneven roads and sharp climbs totalling 2,200 metres of elevation you will be put to the test.There will be cut-off points along the route, so you’ll need to keep an average pace of 19km/h to complete the ride.It’s all worth it though, the virtually traffic-free route will have you fooled into believing that you’re riding your own European one-day classicDistance: 100km | Elevation: 1430mStarting in Canowindra, you’ll tackle 1430m of climbing through the beautiful Orange region.Enjoy the quiet country roads and virtually traffic free route, but don’t be deceived. You’ll still be tackling uneven road surfaces, long false flats and short sharp climbs that will put all of your training to the test.Entry includes bus transport from Orange to the start line in Canowindra before you can ride back to Orange, kick back, relax and soak up the finish site atmosphere.Please note that due to road closures and parking restrictions at Canowindra, riders are required to use the event transport included in their entry.Distance: 70km | Elevation: 770mThe 70km ride will see you tackle 770 metres of climbing. You’ll descend from the heights of Orange at over 900m, to the lowest point of 300m as you finish in Canowindra.But don’t be mistaken, there are still plenty of rollers, long false flats and short sharp climbs, requiring a good level of fitness.There will be a cut-off point just past halfway, but with the right preparation anyone can take on this amazing challenge.Your entry includes transport back to the Orange finish site where you can kick back, relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Cut off times are in place for your safety. Please follow the directions of the event team and retire gracefully if you miss a cut off time.70kmFinal briefing 6:50 AMStart: Orange Velodrome 7:00–7.15 AMAn average speed of 15km/h is needed to clear sector cut off times. After completing the 70km ride you will enjoy lunch, and then you and your bike will be driven from Canowindra back to the Orange event village for celebrations.100kmTransport from Orange Velodrome 7:45 AMFinal briefing 9:45 AMStart: Canowindra 10:00–10:15 AMAn average speed of 17km/h is needed to clear sector cut off times.170kmFinal briefing 6:50 AMStart: Orange Velodrome 7:00–7:15 AMAn average speed of 19km/h is needed to clear sector cut off times.

Travel by airQantas, Virgin Australia, Tiger Airways and Jetstar all fly directly to Sydney from various interstate locations.You can also fly direct from Sydney to Orange Regional Airport, which is located 15km (15-minute drive) from the town centre. Rex offers 25 return flights each week. Please note, as a smaller carrier they have limited capacity for bikes.Travel by carSydney to OrangeOrange is 250 km west of Sydney, approximately a 4-hour drive.Melbourne to OrangeOrange is 764 km from Melbourne, approximately an 8-hour drive.