THRILLS, test skills or take in nature – riders enjoy tackling Ballarat Cycle Classic’s mountain bike events in different ways. All are riding to support homegrown cancer research.
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There are four road race events, a 24-hour endurance event, lake relay and superhero-themed family walk. Classic committee member Phillip Timpano favours the trails.
“All the Cyclescape mountain bike challenges are not about speed. They are about discovering the amazing forests and single track trails around Ballarat, and challenging yourself and your friends on the different tracks,” Mr Timpano said. “Set your challenge to see how far you can each ride without dismounting your trusty bikes.”
Cycle Classic courses – 50-kilometre, 40km, 33km and 28km – are designed to thrill riders with smooth sections, bumps and mud. Mr Timpano said the best way to enjoy the ride was to set an achievable personal goal, breathe in fresh air and soak in scenery.
Riders can tackle courses as a group or solo with trails to suit all ages and abilities.
The Cycle Classic is a homegrown event with 100 per cent of funds support Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. Entering its ninth year, the Classic has raised more than $1.2 million for FECRI’s vital projects, including $210,000 in last year’s event.
More than 2,000 participants are set to ride or walk in Cycle Classic events in this weekend’s two-day carnival, which also features entertainment and family activities. The Cycle Classic developed from a road ride, with 700 entrants, in its inaugural year to a community carnival with more road courses, a relay, lake celebration walk and mountain bike rides.
FECRI, inspired by Ballarat teenager Fiona Elsey who died from cancer in 1991, explores more effective ways to diagnose and treat cancer, like immunology, by unlock the riddles of cancer. The institute, under research director George Kannourakis, has been attracting international attention for its work.
Cycling doyen Phil Liggett has thrown his support behind the event, promoting the Classic and FECRI with a trademark Classic jersey on his daily rides about the region during last month’s Cycling Australia Road National Championships.
SCHEDULE
at Lake Wendouree events precinct, Windmill Drive
SATURDAY
1pm-4pm: registration and jersey collection
1-4: come and try activities
SUNDAY
From 7am: registration and jersey collection
8am-3pm: family activites
8am: 50km mountain bike
8.30: road ride events
8.45: 28km, 33km, 40km mountain bike
9am: 6km lake walk
9.15am: 2.5-hour lake relay
ONLINE REGISTRATION: closes noon, Friday. In-person registrations at events precinct Saturday and Sunday.
CAR PARKING: free in North Gardens, entry only from Gillies Street. Change facilities, toilets available.
ROAD CLOSURE: inside lane of Wendouree Parade (anti-clockwise travel) will be closed 7am to 3.30pm.
MORE DETAILS: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au