Bourke TT   

Bourke is a town in the north-west of New South Wales, 800 kilometres north-west of the Sydney situated on the south bank of the Darling River. Bourke is considered to represent the edge of the settled agricultural districts and the gateway to the Outback that lies to the north and west. This is reflected in a traditional east coast Australian expression "back o' Bourke", referring to the Outback.

Bourke has a hot sem...

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Bourke is a town in the north-west of New South Wales, 800 kilometres north-west of the Sydney situated on the south bank of the Darling River. Bourke is considered to represent the edge of the settled agricultural districts and the gateway to the Outback that lies to the north and west. This is reflected in a traditional east coast Australian expression "back o' Bourke", referring to the Outback.

Bourke has a hot semi-arid climate with mild amount of rainfall throughout the year. On 4 January 1903, Bourke recorded a maximum temperature of 49.7 °C making it tied for the hottest temperature recorded anywhere in New South Wales and one of the highest maximums ever to be recorded in Australia.

Due to the high temperatures experienced in the area, the route has been shortened to 21km, which will ensure participants will not be out racing in the heat of the day. Rolling out of the town, the riders will travel alongside the Darling River, passing the Gundabooka national park before returning to the town.

Although the roads are flat and straight, the road surface is rough which means technique of the riders in both bike positioning and pedal stroke will be a key determinant in separating the best time trial specialists in the field.