Televised live on SBS for the first time, the Buninyong event was transmitted to a national audience, promising a long-term boost to the local tourism sector.

More than 20,000 people attended the main event yesterday — the 163.2 kilometre men’s road race — which was 20 per cent up on last year.

More than 4500 people also attended the women’s and under 23 events on Saturday, while crowd figures were up 25 per cent at criterium races in the Ballarat CBD on Thursday.

Event director John Craven said yesterday’s huge crowd was also treated to a very special race.

“I’ve been promoting sports events for 32 years and it’s the best cycling contest I’ve ever seen,” he said. “It was just wonderful, I’m absolutely ecstatic.”

Victorian Simon Gerrans eventually took out the race, which is regarded in the cycling fraternity as one of the key events on the Australian cycling calender.

The hilly 10.2-kilometre Buninyong course added to the excitement, challenging riders to endure a long, steep climb before navigating a tricky downhill section.

On top of the success of the day, Mr Craven said the race was also a great boost for tourism in the region.

“The SBS coverage was Australia-wide, Grandstand ABC were there (Saturday and Sunday), Australia-wide,” he said. “It’s just marvellous exposure for Ballarat and Buninyong. It’s a three-hour televised travel log for Ballarat.”

Ballarat Regional Tourism director George Sossi echoed Mr Craven’s comments, saying that the success of the race meet came on the back of bigger and better events every year.

“Based on last year there was an economic impact of about $3.8 million. But we expect a lot more this year; in the first two days alone crowds were up 25 per cent,” Mr Sossi said.

“It certainly puts tourism and Ballarat on the map.”

But Mr Sossi said viewers and visitors alike would have seen the region not only as a great host, but as a hub for recreational cycling in Victoria.

“We’re starting to be known for cycling now.”

Spectator Anthony Heyward, who took up the sport 15 months ago, drove up from Geelong to see the professionals in action.

“It’s such a great opportunity to see Australia’s top teams in action,” he said. “But it’s also a great opportunity for the region. It’s a big draw card and great for tourism. It really showcases the beauty of Ballarat and Buninyong.”