Course Information

The Baw Baw Classic was devised by the Warragul Cycling Club in 2000 and was first held in 2001. Cycling Profiles has a detailed course information here.

From the Cycle 2 Max Site:

A few stats for that all important gear choice.
The Baw Baw climb is 6km from the gatehouse to the summit with an elevation gain of 680m.  This means that the average gradient is 11.3% for the whole climb (680/6000 x 100).

As a comparison, L'Alpe d'Huez, the most famous climb in the Tour de France is 13.8km at 7.9%. The Col du Tourmalet is 18.3km at 7.7% and the Col de la Madelaine is 19.4km at 7.7%.
Last year's Tour of Spain (2009) had a climb up L'Angliru which was billed as the toughest climb in the world (details here).  It is 13km at an average of 9.6% with the last 6 km averaging 13%.

The steepest section is 23.5%. Although a "hors category" climb normally has an elevation gain of at least 1000m and more likely, 1500m, the steepness of Baw Baw would mean that it
would be classed as a hors category in Europe. 

So, based on that, Baw Baw is not that far behind L'Angliru. Toll ~ Neulynes = 2kms / Neulynes ~ Chair Gully = 2kms / Chair Gully ~ Finish = 3kms.

The webmaster does not recommend a 39x23 gearing as that makes the climb slow and painful. A compact crankset with at least a 25 on the back should ease the leg pain.

Many elite level riders have won this gruelling race.  See the past winners page for details and career highlights.

Maps

Click on above image to see large view.

Example of a C grade Race time

 

Altitude Profile

Spares - to be advised.

Feed area - Neerim Junction

Spectator Vantage points - Feed station, Icy Creek, Tanjil Bren, Baw Baw Village.  Note that cars behind the race will find it very difficult to pass so we suggest you go directly to the village and grab a coffee at the cafe before watching the finish.

Medal Presentations - Mt Baw Baw Village

Google View

For a supersized image (3568x898), click on the image below.