Road Nats more than just cycling 

The Federation University Road National Championships are always about more than just cycling. 

Community events are also a big feature of this prestigious sporting event. 

This year the free Community Movie Night makes its return to Buninyong’s De Soza Park, with LeBron James taking to the big screen for Space Jam: A New Legacy on Sunday 16 January. 

Food trucks will be on site from 5.30pm and the movie begins at 7.30pm under the stars. BYO picnic blanket and movie snacks. 

There is also the chance to participate in a free community ride before the criterium takes over Sturt Street on Friday 14 January. 

Heading off from the Western Hotel at 7am, the ride will cruise around the Ballarat area before returning at 8.30am for a coffee. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said the Road Nats brought more to Ballarat than just elite cycling. 

“AusCycling, working in conjunction with the City of Ballarat, always provide a range of community events that bring social and economic benefits to both Ballarat and Buninyong,” Cr Moloney said. 

“It will be great to see families back out and about for the community movie night and keen amateur cyclists back on the bike for the bunch ride. 

“It’s been a tough past couple of years for everyone, including elite sporting events, and it’s just fantastic to see a wonderful program of summer events kicking off so early in the New Year, including this prestigious national event that has called Ballarat home for the past 16 years.” 

The championships kick off with time trials at Federation University on Wednesday 12 January and Thursday 13 January, the criterium under lights in the Ballarat CBD on Friday 14 January, and finish with the road races in Buninyong on Saturday and Sunday 15-16 January.      

The event will end with a bang with the Fireworks Spectacular being held as part of Summer Sundays on Sunday 16 January at Lake Wendouree.    

For more information, visit roadnationals.org.au.