Mountain bike course for Ballarat Cycling Classic have been tweaked this year to help meet the growing popularity in the discipline.

Dirt Critters’ leader and course coordinator Antanas Spokeviciusis encouraging families and those newer to give mountain biking a try on Sunday.

“The event is great because there are marshals at check points across the route, making it incredibly safe, as well as rest stops with water, cake and lollies to boost your energy,” Mr Spokeviciusis said.

There are a couple less hills in this year’s 40-kilometre next level, mix terrain ride while the 50km extreme ride is billed as not for the feint-hearted and those with experience to take on gnarly hill.

Both rides have a shared refreshment stop with the 28km family adventure ride, which sets out from Lake Wendouree and rides along Yarrowee Trail to Gong Gong Reservoir. The adventure ride offers a taste of bush riding without steep climbs.

Ballarat Cycle Classic is the major fundraising drive for Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, which receives no government funding.

While FECRI director George Kannourakis prefers to get riding in the laps of the lake event, he said the Classic was a great way to bring together all different riders.

“For those who are adventurous, the mountain bike track is great fun and a great challenge for those more experienced riders,” Professor Kannourakis said.

Cyclists can gear up for road rides in 50km, 60km, 85km and 100km courses. Road rides start and finish in the Classic’s Lake Wendouree village precinct and each take in the Mount Buninyong climb that features in the Cycling Australia Road National Championships each January.

A pet-friendly walk and run will also step out while the village precinct will be a hive of activity, music and food.

This year’s Classic aims to increase community awareness of FECRI’s homegrown cancer research programs. The team’s research includes work into finding new ways for ovarian cancer treatment, which it is celebrating for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Ballarat Cycle Classic is on Sunday. For more details, or to register: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.

Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.