Here’s why Australian champions love cycling in Ballarat

After hosting 20 editions of road cycling national championships, Ballarat has become an icon of Australian sport.

The crowds lining Mount Buninyong, twilight action on Sturt Street, the roads through Federation University – Aussie cycling fans look forward to these each January.

As Ballarat prepares for its last Road Nationals, we asked former champions what they love about racing here.

Gracie Elvin, winner in 2013 and 2014, says Ballarat is the perfect size.

“One of my favourite things about Nationals in Ballarat is it’s a nice, big community. There are so many restaurants and cafes, but it’s small enough that you’re always running into all your friends and competitors,” Elvin said.

“It’s just a really great vibe.”

Perth’s Luke Durbridge has won here five times. He says it’s worth the trip across the country.

“It’s a special place, a special time of year. I’ve been going back and forth ever since I turned professional, so it’s maybe 15 years that I’ve been going to Ballarat.

“It is a really great place, and they’ve done an amazing job. They’ve made it iconic.”

2015 champion Peta Mullens loves how Ballarat always comes out in support.

“What I enjoy most about racing in Ballarat is the way the community gets behind the event,” Mullens says.

“It’s the highest level of fandom that I see for an Australian-only cycling event.

“This will be my 18th consecutive championships at Buninyong, and I still get excited about the climb, about the spectators.”

We’ll leave the last word with reigning champion Luke Plapp, who loves Sunday’s party on Mount Buninyong.

“At three o’clock when everyone’s starting to peak after having a few sherbets, it’s a brilliant atmosphere,” Plapp says.

“We love it as riders, you can feel everyone getting more excited and energetic as the laps count down.

“It’s got a special place in my heart, and hopefully we can make this last year the best.”

Be there roadside to celebrate the final year of RoadNats in Ballarat. The gran fondo is also your last chance to ride the course on closed roads.

Head to roadnationals.org.au for more information.