Described by promoters as Australia’s toughest one-day classic, the 228km race features an elevation of 3382 metres – about 1000m more than Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciusko.

The prestigious race has been on Browne’s bucket list for years and he had his first crack in 2016.

Despite battling severe cramp and losing 20 minutes on the hill climb, he finished 23^rd among the C Grade riders.

This year the Gunnedah Cycling and Triathlon Club member is more familiar with the course and its challenges.

“Experience-wise I feel more confident,” Browne said. 

“I know what to expect this time.”

But the training preparation has not been without its setbacks.

“I was planning to do more but it never eventuated due to injury,” he said.

“I was off the bike for six weeks. 

“I’ve only been back riding for two.”

To help compensate for the unforeseen training shortfall, he included more heavy interval training in his program.

He has also included specialised, hill-climbing tyres on his equipment list to help with the arduous hill stages, and will be packing sodium tablets to help ease the cramps. 

Browne is checking off all the fine details with the aim of a top-10 finish.

“That’s my goal, whether it’s possible or not I don’t know,” he said.

If nothing else, he would be content with an improvement on last year.

“I just want to get higher up [the standings] with a faster time,” he said.

Browne was riding solo in his maiden attempt, but this year has roped in a few of cycling buddies – three from Tamworth and two from Coonabarabran – who will also compete.

“Riding with familiar faces helps,” he said.

The Classic offers a minimum $15,000 prizemoney across all events.

For the first time in this race’s 57-year history, the Classic will host a full 228km-distance category for women riders.

Event director Chris Thompson said they are proud to support women at the historic cycling event.

“This is the hardest one-day cycling event in the country and it will now profile the women as well,” Mr Thompson told event media. “It is a real coming of age and we are excited to see this event grow to be a popular and prestigious cycling event for women.”