Along with the cycling, the event also brought tourists and cycling fans to the greater Ballarat region for the first time in months.

In a regular year, the RoadNats bring a $35 million economic benefit to Ballarat annually, but while the benefit may be slightly down this year, City of Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney said this year was more about getting the Ballarat community out and about again.

"We've just been so desperate to have any events in Ballarat and for it to be a national-level is huge," he said.

"Seeing the return of small but important crowds on Friday night was great as well and you can tell that people were stepping out nervously but also excited about being part of an event again and that's something we've missed out on in the last 12 months.

"It won't be anywhere near that this year and we expect this to be a bit of a bridging year where it's just really case of making sure the event stays alive and stays prominent in Ballarat."

Despite smaller than normal crowds, Cr Moloney said participation was at a record level.

"Even last night, we had 750 riders as part of the Gran Fondo which is a record for us... We're hearing that there are so many people who are just so desperate to get out of Melbourne and to get on the bike.

"This can be a good opportunity for us in Ballarat as people start to get out of Melbourne and explore places like that."

AusCycling general manager of events and racing Kipp Kaufmann said the Ballarat community came out in force for an event that six months ago would've been laughed at.

"Everyone's been excited to get out and get positive for the first time in a long time and I think probably six months ago, everyone would have thought we were silly talking about this," he said.

Mr Kaufmann said organising such a large event in the midst of a global pandemic presented new challenges on a daily basis, even after the event was already underway.

"Even this week, with the premier coming on after our first day at 10.30pm, who knows what that announcement could have been?" he said.

"There was something everyday and we just stayed vigilant, had as many plans and wanted to be as flexible as possible and really deliver this, not only for us as a sport, but for the community of Ballarat."

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Mr Kaufmann said spectator numbers were actually on par or better for most days outside of the Sunday road races.

"[Sunday] was probably down a little bit down, whether that was the weather or us pushing people away from the climb, that remains to be seen," he said.

"All the other days were either on par or up, on top of what we know were way bigger participation numbers than ever before, I think the impact on Ballarat may have been greater than any other year."

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