Two hundred and fifty cyclists will test their fitness on Saturday (23 July 2011) in the one hundred and first (101st) annual Melbourne to Ballarat Cycling classic.
The cyclist will leave Rockbank on the western outskirts of Melbourne at 11 am, with the first riders expected to cross the finishing line on the western shore of Lake Wendouree (near the McDonald Bandstand) three hours later.
Considered one of the toughest courses on the Australian cycling calendar, the Melbourne to Ballarat Cycling Classic is Australia’s oldest handicap open road race.
It is one of the largest cycling events on the calendar and caters for elite riders as well as masters, junior under 19’s.
The race is organised by the Ballarat and Sebastopol Cycling Club.
Ballarat City Destination and Connections Portfolio Councillor, Samantha McIntosh will welcome riders to Ballarat and present place getters with jerseys.
“The Ballarat and Sebastopol Cycling Club does a fantastic job organising this event each year. It attracts a strong field of riders and helps raise the profile of Ballarat as a cycling destination”, Cr McIntosh said.