Edwards, 19, will join National Road Series team AMR Renault for New Zealand’s Gravel and Tar Classic, before also riding the five-stage NZ Cycle Classic.
The opening event, to be run on Saturday, is a gruelling 130km battle that includes 40km on dirt, and is considered one of the toughest events in Oceania.
Edwards said he was heading across the ditch to learn everything he could about racing at the Union Cycliste Internationale division two level.
‘‘It’s going to be difficult doing 40km on dirt, it’s a very hard, tough race,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ll just try and get near the front and hope to God I don’t get a puncture or a mechanical. It’s a lead-up race, a few days later is the five-day (NZ Cycle Classic), it’s going to be crazy.
‘‘It’s definitely the hardest tour in New Zealand, if not Oceania, so it’s a good learning experience for me.’’
Previously a member of team Mobius-BridgeLane, Edwards was hoping his guest appearance as one of AMR Renault’s six riders could turn into something more permanent.
‘‘AMR Renault showed a bit of interest and lucky for me they selected me for a division two race in New Zealand,’’ he said.
‘‘Nothing has been signed yet, but going over with them, they’ll probably be my team for this year. It’s a great fit for me, they’re Sydney-based, but have a lot of guys from around Victoria.
‘‘I know most of the guys from racing with them, it’s a good fit and awesome to be selected for a division two race. It’s the highest level I’ve ever raced.’’
The five-stage NZ Cycle Classic will have the riders complete nearly 700km for the week and, while Edwards knew staying with the big boys would be tough, he remained confident he could give a good account of himself.
‘‘As a 19-year-old, I’m racing against fully-grown men, so it’s definitely going to be a learning experience,’’ he said.
‘‘At this stage it’s about learning and just really enjoying racing at the division two level. It’s not every day you get to race at that class.’’
McDonald’s Shepparton and Mooroopna will be backing Edwards as hard as they can, with the restaurants digging deep to sponsor the youngster and help him chase his overseas dreams.
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