Could Ballarat host the worlds?

VICTORIA is set to host the Union Cycliste Internationale, or UCI, amateur World Championships in 2025, also known as the Gran Fondo World Championships.

The question is where will they be?

With the event set to attract more than 3200 international participants and crew to regional Victoria, the economic benefit could potentially be nearly $10 million.

The three-day event will commence in September 2025 and the location yet to be determined.

Cycling Australia chief executive Steve Drake said he organisation and beyond are excited to host the prestigious event.

“The UCI Gran Fondo World Championships provide an incredible opportunity for cyclists of all ages to compete for a chance at the World Champion rainbow jersey,” he said.

“We look forward to hosting a fantastic event in Victoria that will welcome riders from all over the world.”

Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club president Tim Canny said it’s going to be a huge event for regional Victoria and the cycling community.

“For regional Victoria to win that event is quite remarkable,” he said.

“I hope the Ballarat council and Ballarat people can really get behind it and do whatever they can to draw it to our region.

“It’s not a competition for the elite, it’s for amateur cyclists of all ages so it does bring a lot of people to the area it is held.”

The 2025 Worlds will add to Victoria’s roster cycling events which currently includes Road National Championships held in Ballarat along with Amy’s Gran Fondo, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, and the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

Victoria’s Minister for tourism, sport and events Martin Pakula said this championship will be a great addition to the state’s visitor economy.

“Victoria knows how to stage global sporting events better than anyone and it’s fantastic that these championships are headed here in 2025,” he said.

“It will be a great event and a tremendous opportunity to promote our state’s cycling tourism offerings to the world.”