Dunlop Grand Prix

The Dunlop Grand Prix was, in 1927, the biggest cycling race in the British Empire and the richest race in the world. It was organised by the Dunlop Rubber Company which had a long history of organising bicycle races, including the Warrnambool to Melbourne, Colac to Melbourne and Goulburn to Sydney. As a result of the Dunlop Grand Prix, the Warrnambool was not held in 1927 however the Colac and Goulburn races were.

The race was held in four stages from the 14–19 November 1927, with two rest days, covering 690 miles (1,110 km) and a description of the race was broadcast on radio station 3LO. At that time the title of Long Distance Road Champion of Australasia was awarded to the fastest time in the Warrnambool and for 1927 the title was awarded to the fastest time in the Dunlop Grand Prix. There was a dispute between the League of Victorian Wheelmen and Melbourne Carnivals Ltd which threatened the participation of a number of cyclists, including Hubert Opperman. The dispute however was resolved a month before the event.

The featured riders, in addition to Opperman were Percy Osborn, Jack Beasley, then holder of the 100 miles (160 km) world's record, Harry Moody, NSW and Harry Watson from New Zealand. Also competing were the winners of the Warrnambool from 1926, Les Einsiedel, 1925 Esmond Williamson, and 1924 winner WF King his father, 47-year-old WA "Buffer" King. The fastest riders from the Goulburn to Sydney were also competing, with Ken Ross from 1926 and RJ Cruise from 1925. The riders started together on the first 3 stages however on the final stage the riders left according to their accumulated time gains. In addition to the time prize, there was also a sealed handicap and a teams championship for interstate and country riders.