CYCLING Australia is promising a bigger, better Buninyong showdown this summer – some township traders already have preparations well underway to add to the course’s festival-like atmosphere.
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This January marks the 10th year the City of Ballarat will host the MARS Cycling Australia Road National Championships with the gruelling Buninyong course the climactic event with a crowd vibe most competitors have likened to European tours along the course.
Crowds in the township, along the home straight and crawling up the climb, continue to grow each year. The upcoming championships, officially launched on Tuesday, start an Olympic year. A new Gran Fondo event for amateurs and enthusiasts on the Buninyong course on Saturday in the program, and the move of the women’s elite road race to a ‘Super Sunday’ with the elite men, is expected to draw larger crowds course side.
The Red Door Pizzeria is planning to be even more amid the thick of the action by the time the championships roll around – the business is set to move about two blocks along Warrenheip Street (the home straight) next to the Bendigo Bank. Red Door Pizzeria owner Trevor Whitworth said the cycling program changes would be great for business and showcasing the region.
“It’s already crazy all the people trying to get spots to watch (on the Sunday) and holding the two together will bring a lot more people here,” Mr Whitworth said. “The cycling is great for Buninyong and great for Ballarat. It really does bring a lot more people to town, who can recognise different food and businesses we offer here.”
Chocalatto owner Zach Curran is ready to really capitalise on the crowds. Mr Curran took over the specialty chocolate cafe just before racing last year and made a few last minute adjustments, like a take-away van to ease pressure on diners inside.
A year on, and more time to forward-plan, Chocalatto has a few “quirkier” activities for the festival, like blending your own milkshakes with bikes. The cafe is also working closely with its coffee roasters to offer a greater variety in beans for customers.
Ballarat Regional Tourism chief executive officer George Sossi said the five-day championships injected $6.951 million into the city last year, including marketing exposure.
Victorian minister for sport John Eren said Ballarat had all the natural strengths to host major cycling meets.
“This is another opportunity for Western Victoria to shine,” Mr Eren said. “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."
