AS cycling fever hits Ballarat for another national road championship, a top international commentator, city officials and political leaders are hailing it as a landmark opportunity for the city to embrace the growing sport.
The Cycling Australia Road National Championships, being held over the next five days in Ballarat, will attract 12,000 spectators, 650 competitors and bring a $3.8 million economic bonanza.
“Voice of cycling” Phil Liggett said the presence of the Australian cycling elite at the races this year, was a mark of the event’s growing success.
“When you look at the quality of the elite professional field, I can’t think of a big name that’s missing,” Liggett said.
“And this has not been always the case.
“But this year I can’t think of anyone who isn’t here.”
The British Tour de France commentator for SBS said the fact that the city had managed to hold on to the races was a “coup” for the city.
“It is a feather in the cap of Ballarat,” he said.
“Normally the national championship is thrown around the country ... Ballarat has won this battle,” he said.
Liggett said having a major cycling event in the heart of the city was a major drawcard.
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“There is no reason why it won’t get bigger,” he said.
“Because as long as they continue to close down roads ... then the riders know their security is ensured and there is no limit on the size of the field to participate.”
Like the Tour de France, he said, with the right marketing Ballarat too could reap the benefits of such a sporting event.
“It brings money into the economy (and) into the city,” Liggett said.
“The guest houses are full ... the restaurants are doing business.
“With the race going live nationwide on Sunday for the last three hours ... they will be able to show off Ballarat to everyone in Australia.”
Ballarat Regional Tourism director George Sossi told The Courier the economic impact on the town from the race would be worth $3.8 million.
Ballarat Mayor Mark Harris said the city infrastructure was ideal for an event of such level.
“More events like this in the city would be fabulous,” Cr Harris said.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty's spokesman said the Victorian government strongly supported both elite and community cycling across regional Victoria.
"Cycling events deliver more than just great scenery and sporting moments, they promote Victoria's fantastic regional areas and provide a significant boost to local sports, tourism, and investment in towns and communities along the route," he said.
A spokeswoman for the Minister for Tourism, Louise Asher, said such events delivered a significant economic benefit directly to local businesses and to the broader community through increased economic activity.
“The government will support the tourism marketing of the Australian Open Road Cycling Championships to increase attendance and secure maximum economic benefit of the event for Ballarat and strengthen Ballarat’s reputation as a cycle tourism destination,” she said.
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