Shifting the hub of the Newcrest Orange Challenge bike ride to Robertson Park from the velodrome has been heralded a winning move.
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Nearly 1500 riders competed in the the event across three distances on Sunday before finishing with activities in the centre of town.
Event organiser Rebecca Lane said it had helped showcase the city.
"We've been really well supported by the local community. It's lovely to be in the heart of Orange to show the visitors what Orange is all about," she said.
Ms Lane said the flood of competitors from Sydney and other areas for the weekend had seen accommodation and eateries booked out.
We were at the pub last night for dinner and it was great to see so many riders there.
- Rebecca Lane, event organiser
"We had one of our contractors looking for accommodation at the last minute and he ended up 45 minutes away. Not so good for him, but great for us that it is booked out," she said.
"We were at the pub last night for dinner and it was great to see so many riders there."
After starting in the dark at Robertson Park at 6.30am on one of the coldest days of the year the first riders completed the main 170 kilometre ride in four and a half hours.
This year's event had a later starting date but despite the cold start Ms Lane said it was a good move.
"We are going to look to stick to the later date. We moved because it so hot in early March and we were told it doesn't cool down until early April, but we've gone from one extreme to the other," she said.
"You can't really win with the weather but it's turned to be a beautiful day now and the riders are doing well on the road."
Orange City Council sport and recreation policy committee chair Cr Jason Hamling said the move to Robertson Park was a success.
"I think it is showcasing off the event a lot more. It shows off the town a lot better," he said.
Cr Hamling said there had been a major economic benefit to Orange from the event.
"The town was buzzing last night, the restaurants were full," he said.
He said sport was another string to Orange's bow beyond food and wine.
"That's all people think we do but there's events like this, and junior sport events. It's great for the town," he said.
Sydney cyclist Colin Carrigan, who finished in five hours, said he'd be back for more. "I've been here two years. It's well run, I'll be coming back," he said.
Fellow cyclist Matt Gregory said the roadside support was strong. "All the guys cheering us on with cow bells. It was really well organised. There were a lot of potholes, I got a puncture [but still finished in five hours]," he said.
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