With the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on the horizon, Australia's top cyclists will be out in force in Victoria's Ballarat for this week's Australian Open Road Championships as they vie for not just their respective titles, but also the opportunity to move closer to a possible berth in the Australian Olympic squad.
As a result of the Olympic qualification points on offer - not to mention the national champion jersey bonus made available to many of the Europe-based professionals from their trade teams - the national titles will feature a star-studded lineup this year.
Though limited to riders primarily from one country, it can seen as the unofficial 'start' of the professional road racing season, given there are UCI points on offer and the depth of talent lining up on the weekend.
The events will feature a whopping 367 riders across the six races, with nearly all of Australia's top riders and some international riders taking part in the event. The prospect of a tough showdown in every category has event organizer John Craven excited about the week ahead.
"Cadel Evans and Robbie McEwen are the only big names not there," Craven told The Courier. "The depth in Australian cycling is phenomenal. It's an overwhelming response."
"It's going to be a stunning spectacle," Craven added. "All the ingredients are there for some wonderful racing by Australia's best men and women," Craven said.
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Weather will undoubtedly play a role in the outcome of this week's events, with the riders expected to be greeted with fine and hot conditions, starting with an anticipated 34 degrees C for Wednesday's Elite Women and Under 23 Men's Time Trial events.
Similar conditions are expected for the road races, with the U23 men and elite women's events to be held on Saturday, January 12, and then the elite men's 162.3km race on the Sunday.
The 10.2km Buninyong circuit is highly selective and the hard-fought road races almost invariably end with a select bunch fighting it out for the win. This year looks like it will be no different.
Craven said he's expecting a strong crowd to make the trek out to Ballarat from Melbourne, about a one hour drive north of the Victorian capital.
To read the full Australian Open Road Championships preview click here.
