Three cyclists were lucky to escape injury while making their way to Shepparton for the start of the Herald Sun Tour.

The three FRF Couriers Excelpro team members - Brendan Brooks, Robbie Cater and Joe McDonnell - were travelling in a vehicle being driven by Brooks' father when a rear tyre burst, causing the car to overturn on the Hume Highway north of Gundagai.

Brooks senior needed medical attention at Gundagai Hospital but was released shortly afterwards.

The three riders and a fifth person in the vehicle, a team masseur, were uninjured.

The team's equipment was not so lucky, with the vehicle a write-off and one of the racing bikes and a spare being damaged beyond repair.

FRF Couriers team manager Andy Portess said he was relieved once the outcome of the crash had become clear.

"Naturally we were very concerned when we heard the news but we are hopeful that all of them will be fine to take their places in the tour," Portess said.

"Joe is experiencing some discomfort in his leg, so we will get him assessed once we get him to Shepparton."

The remaining team members were travelling in another vehicle some distance behind and did not witness the accident.

Ninety-eight riders representing 14 teams and 13 countries will compete over seven days, seven stages and 820km in this year's tour, which starts on Sunday.

The line-up includes the defending champion, Simon Gerrans, and three times Tour de France sprint champion Robbie McEwen.

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