IT is hoped the return of the Road Nationals to Sturt Street in January will be the kickstart for a big year of events as Ballarat exits the two-year pandemic.
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AusCycling has officially locked in the dates for the Road National Championships, which includes a return to the Friday night Criterium which will be held in the Ballarat CBD on January 14.
The five day festival will include individual and team trials held around the Federation University site at Mount Helen on Wednesday and Thursday, Friday night through the heart of the city and Saturday and Sunday will see the return of the road race and Gran Fondo events at Mount Buninyong.
The success of the incorporated para cycling will be repeated with racing for intellectually impaired, deaf, Gran Fondo, under 19, under 23, elite and masters events to be held on Wednesday and also on Saturday.
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The men's and women's elite races will both be held on the Sunday.
City of Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney said he hoped the Road Nationals would provide a much needed economic boost to the city, with hopes that a host of events will be able to return to Sturt Street for the night.
"This event always provides a massive economic boost to the city while also showcasing beautiful Ballarat to an international broadcast audience in more than 40 countries," he said.
"The City of Ballarat has a fantastic relationship with AusCycling that has prospered since 2007.
"I would also like to thank Ballarat residents and business owners who have always provided terrific support to this event, which will no doubt kickstart a fantastic 2022 for the region."
AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner said it will help bring the community back together after a tough two years.
"The opportunity for our elite to get back to racing and showcase not only the depth of our talent, but the great sport of road cycling will be a welcome start to the year," Fechner said.
