Leigh Creek Climbs   

Leigh Creek is a coal-mining town in eastern central South Australia, 560km north of Adelaide. It is situated to the west of the northern Flinders Ranges, one of Australia’s most famous and stunningly beautiful mountain chains.

The current town is 13 km further south than the original town – it was moved in 1982 to allow the expansion of the mine. As a result, most facilities and buildings in the town are only a l...

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Leigh Creek is a coal-mining town in eastern central South Australia, 560km north of Adelaide. It is situated to the west of the northern Flinders Ranges, one of Australia’s most famous and stunningly beautiful mountain chains.

The current town is 13 km further south than the original town – it was moved in 1982 to allow the expansion of the mine. As a result, most facilities and buildings in the town are only a little over thirty years old, with relatively modern designs.

The route of the course takes us through Aroona Sanctuary. It is one of the best examples of environmental rehabilitation in Australia, being transformed from an extremely badly degraded area to a situation where it could again support a diverse range of native plants and wildlife, all within 10 years. There will be no time to take in the sights however, as the race then moves into the Flinders Ranges where many large climbs await to test the riders.

The best climbers in the peloton will be expected to light some fireworks today on the numerous climbs that occupy the course, all culminating towards the end with a brutal uphill drag towards the finish line. History suggests that it all goes to plan, it will be a pure climber standing on the top step of the podium at the conclusion of the race.