The Geelong Advertiser gave a good account of yesterday's celebrations on the Challambra hill, obviously well advised by Kew's Philip Curtis:
HIGHTON'S everyday neighbourhood Challambra Cres became the pinnacle of world cycling agony and ecstasy to the delight of thousands of fans yesterday.
The street's unforgiving up-and-up made it heartbreak hill 11 times over for riders at the crest of the acclaimed UCI world cycling championships elite men's course and the name Challambra will long linger, sealed on titles merchandise including T-shirts.
"It will be famous forever," Kew's Philip Curtis smiled as he patted a palm on his vivid yellow Challambra shirt.
"This is the spot to be."
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Mr Curtis brandished his genuine Tour de France issue cap and cowbell as he spoke amid the press of a big and buoyant crowd supporting all nations. At his feet lay the picnic spread prepared by his gourmand mate Steve Hicks.
Gorgonzola, artichoke hearts, sausage, baguettes, Swan Bay pinot and world-best cycling were all on the lip-licking Challambra menu.
Pre-race promotions promised Challambra was the place for purists to watch the race and fans answered the call in immense numbers.
People lined the street six-deep, watched from prized front yards and balconies and lazed in neighbouring Montpellier Park, absorbing its entrancing view of Geelong and race action on the big screen.
When hovering choppers signalled a swarm of riders approaching heartbreak hill people flocked from the park to the trackside fences and vantage points to share rousing, generous ovations.
Belgian-born Annelien Hanssens waved her Flemish flag with a wide smile.
"Whenever Kim Clijsters plays tennis or Belgians come to cycle, I'll be there," she said.
Sydney's Owen Brockway sat on the Montpellier grass in his cycling gear and marvelled at the magnitude of Geelong's show.
"So many people are talking about it," he said. "We probably won't see the worlds in Australia again will we? Not for a while, not for a good while.
"This is going to be on TVs all round the world."
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SBS also used Phil as the opening shot of their news coverage:
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