The Audax Alpine Classic road cycling event, which will take place in the picturesque surrounds of Bright in regional Victoria this weekend and is sponsored by AGL Energy Limited, will this year host Australia’s longest non-competitive cycling event of 250 kilometres.

The ride has been made possible by AGL’s upgrade of the Bogong High Plains Road as part of the Bogong Power Station construction, which was officially opened by The Premier of Victoria, the Hon John Brumby MP in November last year. AGL’s $230 million, 140 MW zero emissions Bogong Power Station is the largest hydro electricity project in mainland Australia in the past 25 years.

It will be able to provide renewable electricity to more than 120,000 homes during peak summer demand and the renewable electricity generated each year will abate in excess of 88,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Audax Alpine Classic is regarded as the toughest single-day non-competitive event in Australia and is held on the Australia Day weekend each year over six distance options ranging between 70 and 250 kilometres.

More than 2,300 riders have registered for this year’s event and organisers are hopeful of more than 2,400 participants on the day.

AGL General Manager Merchant Operations, Dale Blampied, said, "AGL is delighted to be able to support a great event in a community which is such a vital part of our position as Australia’s leading integrated renewable energy company."

"AGL prides itself on building strong relationships with the local communities in which we work and invest. With the Bogong Power Station now operational, sponsoring the Audax Alpine Classic is a timely opportunity for us to reinforce our support for the local community," he said.

The Bonjour Bright free French festival will be held in conjunction with the Classic, offering movie viewings, food, wine and a wide range of other activities for the riders’ families and friends and for the local community. AGL will be running colouring competitions for children, with prizes offered every hour.

AGL will also have open the AGL Hydro Information Centre, which has been constructed at the Bogong Power Station for the local community, school groups and travellers.

Notes to editors:

  • The AGL Hydro Information Centre is situated on Bogong High Plains Rd, Bogong, approximately 40 minutes drive from Bright. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday-Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
  • The Information Centre is a state of the art facility showcasing the early construction of the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme and the important role the Scheme plays today in Australia.
  • It houses engineering models, geological and historical exhibits, a water wall and a life-size educational puzzle for children, a gallery wall displaying the history of the Kiewa Scheme, floor-to-ceiling viewing windows into the power station, computers and a 3D animation of the Bogong Power Station.
  • Entry is free.
  • Winning colouring competition entries will be available for publication if requested.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on over 170 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has Australia's largest dual fuel customer base. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.