The Melbourne to Ballarat cycling road race has been given an earlier date as part of a revamp for the one-day classic.
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The 107th edition of Australia’s longest-running open handicap will open the Cycling Victoria road season on Saturday, March 25.
The timeslot is a major shift, with it having traditionally been in mid-winter.
Cycling Victoria chief executive officer Kipp Kaufmann said the date change was part of a strategy to keep the race fresh.
He said there was also a desire to strengthen the state road program off the back of the nationals and a summer schedule of international events.
Kaufmann said the Victorian road season had a strong finale with the Melbourne to Warrnambool. The Melbourne to Ballarat will provide new impetus at the start.
A new finish is also under consideration, with Buninyong being mooted. The race ended Learmonth Road for many years before going to Lake Wendouree. It has finished at Kryal Castle for the past four years.
