Ford Performance Racing Driver Gets On His Bike

Mark Winterbottom shows his support for cycling safety

MELBOURNE – Aug 31, 2010: V8 Supercar driver Mark Winterbottom will be swapping the steering wheel for bicycle wheels when he takes part in this year’s Ford Otway Cycling Classic in Geelong on Sunday 7, November.

This year celebrates 30 years of the iconic annual cycling race, with this year's theme aiming to raise awareness of how cyclists and motorists can safely share the road together to help minimise accidents.

On average, each year, more than 2,500 cyclists are injured on our roads, and this has prompted famous faces such as Mark Winterbottom to throw their weight behind Bike Safe’s “Share the Road” campaign and the Ford Otway Classic.

The goal of both campaigns is to promote better behaviour between motorists and cyclists and educate road users of safe practices and road rules. The proceeds of the cycling fundraising event will be used to support the community not-for-profit organisation, United Way Geelong Region.

Bike Safe, a not-for-profit association which aims to improve bicycle safety, is showcasing road safety tips from some sporting identities Billy Brownless and James Podsiadly from the Geelong Football Club, current world cycling champion Cadel Evans and V8 racer Mark Winterbottom.

The tips will be revealed in the lead up to Ford Otway Cycling Classic, with Mark’s tip appearing on arterial roads in the Geelong Region, local advertising and bike shops.

Mark said, “Drivers seem to be increasingly concerned with slower moving road users such as cyclists and can rush to overtake, even when it isn’t safe to do so. My tip for road users is to give at least a one-metre space when passing. Cyclists often have to avoid potholes and gravel. Giving them more space can save lives. And please be patient. If it is not safe to pass, just wait a few seconds. Remember speed kills.”

Entries are now open to take part in the Ford Otway Cycling Classic, where you have the chance to cycle next to reigning world road race champion Cadel Evans and V8 legend, Mark Winterbottom.

Whilst cycling 137kms, participants will take in the breathtaking Great Ocean Road and Otway Ranges scenery and challenging themselves against Cadel's favourite training hill climb (between Lorne and Deans Marsh).

In celebration of the event’s 30th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Ford Falcon, cyclists will receive a unique branded jersey as part of their entry package.

Entries are limited to 1000 cyclists. To register visit http://www.uwgeelong.com.au/