Countdown to 2020 Federation University Road National Championships commences
The 2020 Federation University Road National Championships, officially launched at Federation University Australia campus in Ballarat on Friday 15 November, will see Australia's best under 19, under 23, elite, masters, club cyclists, para-cyclists and cyclists with an intellectual impairment battle for the coveted green and gold national champions jerseys in the criterium, road race and time trial.
The Championships open on a Wednesday night, with a community festival and revamped time trial course hosted at Federation University's Mt Helen Campus.
The new time trial course will allow spectators to get up and close to the action, whilst soaking in the summer evening with music, food trucks and family entertainment.
In an Australian first, the course will also play host to the inaugural national championships for cyclists with an intellectual impairment.
The return of the Friday night crit will kick-start the weekend's festivities celebrating local produce in a carnival-like atmosphere with live entertainment.
The iconic Mt Buninyong circuit will host an exciting weekend of road racing with Australia's finest para-cyclists and future champions in the under 19 categories racing on Saturday, while Sunday will see Australia's elite cyclists racing to see who will win the right to wear the green and gold jersey internationally in 2020.
Cycling Australia CEO Steve Drake welcomed the official launch and expressed thanks to Federation University on hosting the new time trial course.
"We're excited to see the Championships kick off with the race against the clock - it's going to be fantastic to see the rainbow bands of Rohan Dennis on display on the new time trial course. It is also incredibly exciting that we will have seven of our para-cyclists roll out in their rainbow jerseys.
"We extend our thanks to Federation University for hosting the new course, and cannot wait to see what the riders think of it next year."
Quotes attributable to Ballarat Mayor Cr Ben Taylor
"What a way to launch the City's 2020 summer calendar of events with the Federation University Road National Championships, which continue to put Ballarat on a world stage.
The City of Ballarat is proud of its partnership with Cycling Australia and looks foward to welcoming the many thousands of visitors who travel to our region each year for this family-friendly event."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakul
"With Tokyo 2020 now just months away, these races will help sort out our Olympic contenders.
"Victoria is the home of cycling in Australia and the road national titles will be a huge boost to Ballarat, with riders and spectators descending from all corners come January."
Quotes attributable to Helen Bartlett, Vice-Chancellor and President of Federation University Australia
"It is very gratifying that Federation University is now seen as such a major part of the entire Road Nats event.
"The Road Nats is an annual highlight for us and it allows the University to display our world-class reputation for sport science and our new Health and Sports Precinct.
"On behalf of our staff and students, I wish the competitors the best of luck and invite all cycling fans to visit our Mt Helen campus, which will host the time trials for the first time this year."
Event snapshot
The 2020 Federation University Road National Championships will be held from January 8-12 in Ballarat:
• Wednesday 8 Jan - Federation University Time Trials - Para categories; Intellectually Impaired category (Australian first); U19 Men; U19 Women; U23 Men; U23 Women; Elite Men; Elite Women, National Street Climb Challenge
• Thursday 9 Jan - Federation University Time Trials - Para - UCI C1 Time Trial; Club Teams Time Trial; Schools Teams Time Trial
• Friday 10 Jan - Ballarat Criteriums - U19 Men; U19 Women; U23 Men; U23 Women; Elite Men; Elite Women
• Saturday 11 Jan - Buninyong Road Races - U19 Men; U19 Women; U23 Men; Para all categories & Intellectually Impaired category, Gran Fondo National Championships
• Sunday 12 Jan - Buninyong Road Races - U23 Women; Elite Women; Elite Men