The Battle on the Border Cycling Festival is gaining momentum to become one of the northern Australia's big cycling festivals. While all the pro's are arriving in South Australia for the Tour Down Under, Northern New South Wales has their own cycling festival powering up, which will see over 1000 cyclists pedal their way through the beauty of the Tweed for 5 days from the 29th April.

The Battle incorporates three competitions including: the Tour De Tweed � a competitive cycling 4-stage tour, the Australian Under 19 Road Championships and world team selection race; and the Gran Fondo social rides.

Nominations have now opened and with Australia's best juniors competing for a place in the World Championships it is a who's who of the cycling world.

The introduction of the Gran Fondo Social ride opens the event to anyone with a bike and a bit of stamina. Although not a race, participants can set their own challenges and personal goals. The social rides are a fun and safe way to explore the Tweed with the peloton in the 11km, 56km, 100km, 136km or 189km distances.

The courses take the riders through the beautiful villages of the Tweed Valley including Cabarita, Pottsville, Barringbar, Tyalgum, Uki and Stokers to name just a few.

"There will be entertainment and a great athlete village in Salt. We have to limit the number of riders in the competitive Tour De Tweed according to police permits, so entries will be on a first come basis". Kristina the organiser said yesterday.

The event base is in Salt with each day's racing starting in a different village. It is an event to take the riders back to old day road racing: mountains, windy valleys and always a sprint finish.

Time to get on your bike visit www.qsmsports.com for more information.