Six-year deal for Australian nationals

While European nations prepare to hold their national road championships, the city that hosted this year's Australian titles has announced a deal to keep them there for six years.

In addition to the six-year time period, the new agreement between Ballarat City Council, Cycling Australia and event promoter Caribou Publications sees the combining of all three national road disciplines - time trial, road race and criterium - as part of the championship series.

"Cycling Australia's decision to keep the Australian Open Road Championships in Ballarat is further reinforcement of Ballarat’s capacity to host premier cycling events. Council has worked tremendously hard to cement its place as the home of Australian road cycling and I am delighted we will have the opportunity to continue to host the event and showcase our great city to the nation for the next six years," said Ballarat Mayor, Councillor Judy Verlin.