Already, there's been some big results, with superstar youngster Sarah Gigante returning to the top of the podium in the women's time trial, and there's plenty more highlights ahead.

But the new course, based right in the middle of Federation University, is proving a highlight for the cyclists themselves.

Many commented it was a more challenging course with "more atmosphere", as racers loop past the crowd more than once.

There was certainly a bigger crowd than last year enjoying the day, with a gelato van on-site to help create a perfect summer's afternoon.

It wasn't unusual to see huge names warming up nearby, or chatting after their race.

Cycling Australia's sports general manager Kipp Kaufmann said it was rewarding to see the hard work pay off for the spectators.

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"The road race is always great and has a great atmosphere, the crit has a great atmosphere and we're building on that, and now, the goal this year was to look at the time trial and change it up," he said.

"People can come after work and see Rohan Dennis and Sarah (Gigante), some of the best time triallists in the world."

Another big winner was Patrick Eddy, who went back-to-back in the under 19s - his mum Kirsty was beaming from the sidelines.

"It's a bit surreal, he's had a massive target on his back since last year," she said.

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"He's worked really, really hard, but he's also a normal everyday kid, he's done two VCE subjects last year and done really well, so he's got a good balance - I'm super proud of him."

The para-cycling was another highlight, with an expanded program and dozens of cyclists across the categories, including a new race for cyclists with an intellectual impairment.

"They had such a great attitude, great atmosphere," Mr Kaufmann said.

"We had almost double the number of para-cyclists, and they're part of the reason why."

Also joining the racing was Thailand's national para-cycling team, which came away with some podium finishes.

Head coach Christian Stauffer said Australia has an exceptionally high standard of para-athlete, which created a good benchmark as the Thai team grew.

"For us, it's more about the experience of riding with other high performance athletes," he said.

"It's the first time for most of them to race in Australia, so I think they're excited.

"This team has been set-up less than three years ago, so it's good for them to be able to see where they stand in a higher level than in Southeast Asia, and a good reminder on how close and how far away you are - nothing replaces the experience of racing at a good level."

Cycling Australia also announced it would be donating $5 per entrant in Saturday's mass participation Gran Fondo ride to the Bendigo Bank Bushfire Disaster Appeal, in partnership with the Salvation Army.

The time trials continue on Thursday with the team events, and para-cycling points events.

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