Excitement builds ahead of enthralling Road National Championships

All the wheels are in motion for one of the most exciting editions of the Federation University Road National Championships for many years. 

With one of the most star-studded fields for many years assembled and a host of community events planned, it promises to be an action-packed five days in Ballarat, starting on Friday 6 January.

Although the on-course action is destined to be enthralling, there remains plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family occupied. 

This year the free Community Movie Night makes its return to Buninyong’s De Soza Park, with Minions: The Rise of Gru to be aired, as chosen by pupils from the Buninyong Primary School.  

Food trucks will be on site from 5.30pm on Saturday 7 January, with the movie beginning at 7.30pm. BYO picnic blanket and movie snacks. 

Friday 6 January will also see the inaugural Ride Ballarat Community Loop event take to the streets. 

More details about the community loop will be unveiled tomorrow, but get ready to hit the streets in a family-friendly ride throughout Ballarat as a prelude to the criteriums event. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the Road Nationals were a highlight on Ballarat’s calendar. 

“It’s just a matter of days away now and the excitement really is building,” Cr Hudson said. 

“To have the biggest names back for the first time in years is great for the event and great for Ballarat. 

“We are sure the event will bring thousands of visitors to the city and we look forward to welcoming them again.” 

Ballarat has positioned itself as the home of cycling in Australia, and hosting the Road National Championships is part of the City of Ballarat’s events strategy to attract world-class athletes and visitors to this prestigious national cycling event.  

The event will be broadcast live on SBS to both national and international audiences, with more than 15 hours of coverage showing Ballarat to the world. 

There will also be some disruption to traffic conditions throughout the event, with Cr Hudson thanking people for their patience. 

The following road closures will be in place: 

Friday 6 January (criteriums, Ballarat CBD) 

Sturt Street closed between Raglan Street and Grenville Street, 6.30am-10pm. 

Saturday 7 January and Sunday 8 January (road races, Buninyong) 

The following roads will be closed midnight Friday to 9pm Sunday:  

• Warrenheip Street  

• Midland Hwy 

• Mt Buninyong Road 

• Yendon No.1 Road  

• Yankee Flat Road 

• Gear Avenue 

• Geelong Road 

Monday 9 January and Tuesday 10 January (time trials, Mt Helen) 

The following roads will be closed on Monday and Tuesday from 8am-6pm: 

• University Drive 

• North Terrace 

• East Terrace 

• Gear Avenue 

• Yankee Flat Road 

• Fisken Road 

• Geelong Road 

Pedestrian access to shops and services is always available during these altered traffic conditions.  

Speed restrictions and some short delays are expected; therefore, all road users are reminded to approach the area with caution.