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Get Set For A Gold Rush At Australia’s Pinnacle Road Race

20 November 2017

The nation’s best cyclists are set to vie for national honours and a coveted spot on the Aussie Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games team when the Road National Championships hit Ballarat in January.

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford joined Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard and representatives from Cycling Australia today to officially launch the countdown to the event.

Regional Victoria is fast becoming the cycling capital of Australia, and the Andrews Labor Government is making sure Ballarat remains front and centre.

This fantastic race has been locked in for the next three years, thanks to funding from the Labor Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program and Regional Events Fund, along with support from the City of Ballarat.

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

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.

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.

Next year 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.

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

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“With the countdown well and truly on for the Gold Coast Games, events like these give a future Cadel Evans and Bridie O’Donnell the best possible start as they prepare to do us proud on the world stage.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“Ballarat is the iconic home of the Road Nationals – that’s why we’re proud to have locked in this event for another three years.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard

“Events like these keep our region strong, and we want to bring more of them here to boost tourism, create jobs and keep businesses busy.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight

“We know first-hand that Ballarat can put on a spectacle. Whether it’s bringing AFL to Ballarat or hosting our next gold medallists at the Road Nationals, our city is ready.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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