News Alert |

#ROADNATS return to Ballarat and Buninyong this January with an action-packed program of events for every local to get involved in.

The new festival schedule offers all cycling enthusiasts a chance to live and breathe the sport for five full days in 2019, including the introduction of a community festival in Buninyong and the return of the Let’s Ride Community Free Cycle and Gran Fondo.

More than 15,000 spectators are expected to line the streets of Ballarat and Buninyong and explore the best cafes, restaurants, retail, accommodation and attractions the region has to offer.

Showcasing the best cycling the country has to offer, the altered five-day event kicks off in the Ballarat CBD on Friday 4 January 2019 with the criterium and Let’s Ride Community Free Cycle.

Similar to previous years, road closures, traffic diversions and parking restrictions will be in place for the safety of the cyclists, spectators and road users.

Criterium road closures and traffic diversions Stage 1: Dawson Street South and North  Commencing 2pm Thursday 3 January 2019 and continuing to 10.30pm Friday 4 January 2019 • Dawson Street South closed from Sturt Street to Dana Street • Dawson Street North closed from Sturt Street to Mair Street • Dawson Street Centre median closed between the eastbound and westbound carriageways on Sturt Street. Please note: traffic can travel in both directions along Sturt Street until 6am Friday 4th January 2019.

Stage 2: Sturt Street and intersection streets  Friday 4 January 2019 between 6am – 10pm • Sturt Street closed - westbound from Grenville Street to Raglan Street • Sturt Street closed – eastbound from Raglan Street to Camp Street Please note: traffic on Doveton Street/Midland Highway can cross Sturt Street, in both directions until 9.30am • Lyons Street South closed from Sturt Street to Dana Street • Lyons Street North closed at Sturt Street intersection • Armstrong Street North and South closed at Sturt Street intersection • Lydiard Street North and South Closed at Sturt Street intersection • Town Hall Lane closed from Bath Lane to Sturt Street • Albert Street closed from Lewis Street to Sturt Street

Stage 3: Doveton Street/Midland Highway Friday 4 January 2019 between 9.30am – 10pm • Doveton Street/Midland Hwy closed at Sturt Street intersection.

Road users are also advised traffic heading east or west through the CBD will be diverted onto Mair or Dana Streets, while traffic heading north or south through the CBD will be diverted onto Raglan or Grenville Streets.

Pedestrians will be able to access all shops in the area, there will be a number of pedestrian crossing points allowing pedestrians to cross over to either side of Sturt Street.

Parking will be restricted in the area, and local buses that usually travel along Sturt Street will be diverted to Mair Street (eastbound) and Dana Street (westbound). Those that cross Sturt Street will be diverted along Grenville Street. Notification signs will be placed on existing bus stops in the lead up to the event.

If you require assistance to access your property, or if you have concerns about traffic and parking management on the day of the race, please contact Cycling Australia on 0498 247 284. Please note this hotline is only active on event day

Criterium schedule U19 Women - 11 am U19 Men - 12 pm Fixed Gear Crit - 1pm Let’s Ride Community Free Cycle – 1.45 pm National Team Crit - 3 pm U23 Men – 4.10 pm U23 and Elite Women – 5.20 pm Elite Men – 6.30 pm

Road Race road closures and motorbike escort Cycling Australia will close a number of roads for the Road Race, however, to maintain access to and from your property Cycling Australia will provide a motorbike escort. Please note the hotline is only operational from 4 - 8 January for bookings and enquiries. To book this service, please contact 0498 247 284.

Stage 1: Between 3.30am-9pm Saturday 5 January and 4am-9pm Sunday 6 January • Warrenheip Street closed from Midland Highway to Forest Street

Stage 2: Between 6am-7.15pm Saturday 5 January and 6am-7.30pm Sunday 6 January • Learmonth Street/Midland Highway closed from Winter Street and Mt Buninyong Road

Stage 3: Between 6am-7.15pm Saturday 5 January and 7.30am-7pm Sunday 6 January • Mt Buninyong Road closed between Midland Highway and Granny White Lane • Yendon No 1 Road closed between Mt Buninyong Road and Yankee Flat Road • Gear Ave closed between Yankee Flat Road and Geelong Road • Fisken Road closed at Gear Avenue and Geelong Road • East Terrace closed between Gear Avenue and Bell Ave • Residence Drive closed between East Terrace and University Drive • University Drive closed between Wetlands Drive and Gear Avenue • Geelong Road closed between Eddy Ave and Barkly Street.

Time Trial Road closures Cycling Australia will close a number of roads for the Road Race, however, to maintain access to and from your property Cycling Australia will provide a motorbike escort. Please note the hotline is only operational from 4 - 8 January for bookings and enquiries. To book this service, please contact 0498 247 284.

Stage 1: Between 5am Monday 7 January and 7.30pm Tuesday 8 January •  Warrenheip Street closed from Herriott Street to Somerville Street

Stage 2: Between 8am Monday 7 January and 7.30pm Tuesday 8 January •  Warrenheip Street closed from Simpson Street to Somerville Street •  Hedrick Street closed from Warrenheip Street to Inglis Street •  Nolan Street closed from Warrenheip Street to Inglis Street •  Herriott Street closed eastbound and westbound at Warrenheip Street

Stage 3: Between 8am Monday 7 January and 6pm Tuesday 8 January •  Warrenheip Street closed from Simpson Street to Webbs Hill Road •  Buninyong – Mt Mercer Road closed from Webbs Hill Road to Dereel •   Mt Mercer Road, Dereel – Mt Mercer Road closed from Gumley Road and McKerrals Road, Shelford – Mt Mercer Road closed at Mt Mercer – Dereel Road.

MS National Gran Fondo – 6.45am Saturday 5 January

Why not put yourself in the action by riding in the MS National Gran Fondo? As the official charity partner of the ride, all money raised will go towards Australian’s living with MS.

Entry is just $70 and gives you two hours of access to closed roads along the 11.6km Mount Buninyong loop which is the same course the elite riders will take on later in the championships. This challenging and technical course is a great ride for riders of all levels.

Once you’ve completed the MS National Gran Fondo, you can sit back, relax and watch the pros do it.

Buninyong Community Night – Saturday 5 January Continue the fun, festival environment with the free family-friendly Community Movie Night at De Soza Park. Pack a picnic, or grab a bite to eat in town and enjoy the movie (The Greatest Showman), face painting, art exhibition and more. Visit @MakingBuninyong Facebook for more details.

For more information about the 2019 Federation University Road National Championships visit roadnationals.org.au

Quotes attributable to Ballaat Mayor Samantha McIntosh: “The bar has been set even higher this year with the more cycling action over five consecutive days – making Ballarat the best place to see the nation’s finest cyclists in action this January.

“Whether you are an avid cycling fan, or you just enjoy the opportunity to take in some fresh air with your family, there is an array of cycling events and activities for you to enjoy.

“We’re expecting more than 15,000 spectators to attend the 2019 festival over January 4-8, which continues to showcase Ballarat’s cafes, restaurants, retail, accommodation and attractions to domestic and international visitors.”