Ballarat destined to be state's cycle capital

BALLARAT is on track to becoming regional Victoria's premier cycling destination, Ballarat Mayor Judy Verlin said yesterday after the success of the warm-up event to the Jayco Herald Sun tour."Ballarat was on show today, the sun was shining, there was a great crowd and a wonderful course. The criterium was a huge success," she said."Today the very cream of elite international cyclists were here in the city and the event provided all the excitement and atmosphere that cycling brings with it."The feedback from the cycling community is that they are very happy with the Ballarat course and particularly happy with the event management.""This cycling event has created a large opportunity for the whole of the Ballarat community to benefit."Yesterday's Jayco Herald Sun tour preface event saw competitors racing a loop through Ballarat city streets, taking in Sturt, Camp, Mair and Lydiard streets.Today marks day one of the prestigious race, with riders set to venture away from Ballarat to Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham, before returning to finish at Lake Wendouree.Cr Verlin said Ballarat was quickly positioning itself as a top-notch elite cycling destination.Buninyong will host the Australian Open Road Cycling Championship in January and Ballarat will stage the 2010 Australian Masters Road Cycling Championship."Ballarat offers undulating terrain and a temperate climate, as well as arguably Victoria's most significant heritage city."We know the cycling industry is very keen to have a a strong partnership with Ballarat."Launching the 2010 Ballarat Cycle Classic event in Lydiard St yesterday, Ballarat Cycle Classic development manager Julie O'Donohue said this year's event attracted just under 1000 competitors and hopes were high next year's would garner 1200.This year's event raised $125,000 for the Ballarat Cancer Research Centre and the aim for next year was $150,000.