Premier

Australia’s Pinnacle Road Race To Stay In Ballarat

20 April 2017

The Andrews Labor Government has secured Cycling Australia’s Road National Championships in Ballarat until at least 2020.

Minister for Sport John Eren joined Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight, and representatives from Cycling Australia today to announce the new three year deal.

Regional Victoria is fast becoming the cycling capital of Australia, and we are making sure Ballarat remains front and centre.

The Championships pit Australia’s most talented cyclists against the very best in the world, as riders vie for glory and a spot on the Australian road, time trial and criterion teams.

Our Aussies will be keen to impress ahead of selection for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games next April.

Now for the 12th consecutive year, Ballarat’s passionate cycling fans can rest assured that pedal power will return to the heart of the city next summer and beyond.

2018 will be bigger and better with new events for junior cyclists, more activities for families and kids, and an expanded Gran Fondo for the whole community to get involved in the fun and action.

This year’s event saw more than 20,000 fans line the streets, many from interstate and overseas, and injected $4 million into the local economy.

Big events keep our regions strong, and we want to bring more of them to regional Victoria to boost tourism, create jobs and keep businesses busy.

Labor has locked in this event thanks to funding from our Significant Sporting Events Program, Regional Events Fund along with support from the City of Ballarat.

The Road National Championships will be held from 3 – 7 January 2018.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“The famous ‘Road Nats’ are going nowhere – they’re right at home in the cycling capital of Australia.”

“We’re working hard to lock in the very best cycling races because we know they mean more jobs and more visitors for Victoria, and that means a stronger economy.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight

“Ballarat is the iconic home of the Road Nationals. It’s a great chance for locals to see the best of the best in their own background, and after 11 years, we’re making sure the race stays here.”

Quotes attributable to Cycling Australia CEO Nick Green

“Thanks to this new partnership with the Victorian Government, we’ll be looking to not only grow the stature of this famous event even further, but also work with the City of Ballarat on a cycling strategy for the region that will deliver better outcomes for all cyclists at all levels.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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