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Star Cyclists Pedal Their Way To Rio Via Ballarat

23 November 2015

Ballarat will host Australia’s best road cyclists as they stake their claim for the Rio Olympics at the 2016 Australian National Road Championships.

Minister for Sport John Eren today joined Cycling Australia chief executive Nick Green OAM to launch the event made possible by an Andrews Labor Government grant.

Regional Victoria deserves the biggest sporting events because it does them so well, and the Australian National Road Championships is exactly that. The event returns to Ballarat at a perfect time, as local competitors fight for a coveted green and gold jersey at the Olympics.

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.

This year, the men’s and women’s elite events will both be held on Sunday, giving the women’s event the television coverage it deserves. Cycling fans of all abilities will get a rare opportunity to ride the course themselves, as part of the Australian ‘Gran Fondo’ Championships.

The Labor Government is working hard to cement Victoria’s status as one of the best locations for cycling events outside Europe.

Already this year, the Government has announced the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has been awarded elevated sanctioning by the Union Cycliste Internationale. Last week, the Government announced Chris Froome would be the star attraction at the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

Big events keep our regions strong, and the Labor Government wants more of them. That’s why the Government has committed an additional $80 million towards its major events war chest, to secure the most lucrative events when they’re up for grabs.

The Australian National Road Championships will be held between January 6 – 10.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren

“Victoria is fast establishing itself as one of the great locations for road cycling outside Europe, and the Australian National Road Championships is yet another feather in our cap."

“Ballarat has all the natural strengths that make it an ideal venue for a big cycling meet. This is another opportunity for Western Victoria to shine, and show it stages the big events like no other.”

“Events like these bring visitors from all over the nation. They’re here keeping our motels and cafes full and our businesses busy – and that means a stronger local economy.”

Reviewed 10 February 2021

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