The event, which is the world’s second oldest 24 hour cycling race, was first held in 1895.
According to Minister for Sport John Eren, it has attracted many great professional and amateur riders with Simon Gerrans, Russell Mockridge and Sir Hubert Opperman among them.
In an unprecedented move, the event has been rescheduled from spring to summer for the first time in its history.
Mr Eren said the new time slot means it will kick off the country’s Summer of Cycling and help boost participation, tourism and international interest.
Chairman of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Road Race Cycling Committee Shane Wilson said the staging of the event in summer is a good move by Cycling Victoria:
“At that time of year, cycling is on the back page of newspapers, it’s just going to be sensational.”
Wilson said many of the world’s best cyclists are also in the country in February.
Flyer printing for entrants usually ramps up at this time of year to attract cyclists for everything from the Tour Down Under to the national titles in Ballarat.
The event, to be held on February 16, 2019 will also incorporate Cycling Australia’s `Let’s Ride Schools programme’ – which helps to develop confidence, skills and knowledge in children to make them safer on the roads.