The Jayco Herald Sun Tour – a major international bike race and hallmark event in the Victorian Major Events calendar – has announced the appointment of Agostino Giramondo, The Weekly Times’s general manager.
Giramondo takes over the role from outgoing chairman Tom Salom.
With the support of naming rights partner Jayco and funding from Visit Victoria, the Tour shines a light on Victoria’s diverse regions and generates significant economic impact and media exposure for all the regional towns involved.
Professional cyclists from around the world compete in the Tour, with a long and distinguished list of past winners and an honour roll, including Tour de France Champions Chris Froome and Sir Bradley Wiggins and, most recently the 2022 Giro D’Italia winner, Australian Jai Hindley.
At 71 years old it is Australia’s oldest stage cycling race.
Cover of Jayco Herald Sun Tour 2019 liftout guide in the Herald Sun
Salom said the time was right to step aside after 15 years in the role. “It feels like the right time to hand over the reins and the event is in good hands given Agostino’s background and expertise in cycling. I wish him and event manager Anita Blencowe all the best as they guide the Jayco Herald Sun Tour into the future.”
Salom will remain chairman of the Herald Sun/Transurban Run For The Kids which on Sunday raised over $1 million for the Good Friday Appeal.
Giramondo, who recently returned to HWT, is no stranger to the world of Australian Cycling with many members of his family having competed at the highest level in Australian cycling. He has also worked at executive level at the national body for Australian cycling, AusCycling, has been a club president and still races bikes himself.
Agostino said of his new role: “Whilst this is an honorary role, this is a race that is very dear to my heart. My uncle and cousin both raced in this iconic bike race and there is a great link to The Weekly Times as well with the first ever winner in 1952 being Keith Rowley, a Maffra sheep farmer.
“The Jayco Herald Sun Tour, starting as the Sun Tour, is the oldest stage race in Australia and I am truly honoured to take over as chairman from Tom Salom. They are big shoes to fill but I’m ready for the ride.”
After a three year hiatus due to border closures and COVID restrictions, Agostino will now commence planning for the next editions of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour and Women’s Herald Sun Tour with our sponsors, telecast partners, regional tourism boards and professional cycling teams.
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Top image: Agostino Giramondo