Peaks Challenge Falls Creek
Victorian Alps, VIC
At a Glance
About This Trail
Australia's most iconic single-day cycling event - 235km and 4,500m of climbing across Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Tawonga Gap. Peaks Challenge Falls Creek is the most demanding single-day road cycling event in Australia and one of the toughest amateur events in the world. Held each March from Falls Creek alpine village, the 235km loop crosses three major Victorian alpine passes - Tawonga Gap, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek itself - for a total of 4,500m of vertical gain. Riders must complete the course within a 13-hour cut-off; finishers earn the coveted Peaks Challenge jersey. The route runs Falls Creek-Tawonga Gap descent-Bright-Mt Hotham (via Harrietville)-Mt Hotham descent-Omeo-Anglers Rest-'Back of Falls'-Falls Creek summit finish. The 'Back of Falls' is the event's defining cruelty: a 30km climb that begins after riders have already covered 200km and 3,500m of climbing, with several 10%+ ramps in the final 15km. The event has been running since 2003 (originally called '3 Peaks') and attracts 2,000+ riders annually. The course is partially closed and fully marshalled, with seven feed stations and timed cut-offs at strategic points. Gradient profile — Avg gradient: 1.9%, Max gradient: 12%.
Warnings
Extreme alpine weather; long cut-offs; nutrition critical; train specifically for this event.
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