Cyclesport Victoria

For the first time in the history of the UCI Road World Championships local cyclists will get the chance to ride the circuit before the elite men take to the course in the race for the rainbow jersey.

A mass participation ride is being held on the challenging 16km circuit around Geelong on Sunday 3 October, where up to 2500 amateur cyclists will get the chance to experience what it might be like to be the world champion for a day.

Phil Anderson, the first Australian to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, says this is a unique opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

“One of the great things about going to the football as a kid was having a kick on the ground after the game. But getting to ride the course being used for the world championships before the race arrives is a once in a life time opportunity,” Anderson said.

“The atmosphere on the course for those taking part in the ride will be an experience they will never be able to recreate again in Australia.

“Riding around a closed circuit, as the anticipation is building to the race, will give those keen cyclists who have dreamt about riding the world championships a chance to live that dream for a day.”

Before the ride on the course for the UCI Road World Championships takes place there will be a mass participation ride in Melbourne on Sunday 5 September.

Giving families and riders of all fitness levels the chance to get into the spirit of the world championships, and raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal, the ride will go over the Bolte Bridge and take in some of Melbourne’s best known landmarks through the Royal Botanic Gardens and the city centre.

“No country that has hosted the World Championships in the past 73-years has done something like this,” said Anderson, who has ridden and finished the Tour de France more times (13) than any other Australian.

“One of the highlights of this ride will be the roads the cyclists get to use. Cyclists can’t normally go on the Bolte Bridge and to be able to ride through the city and around the Royal Botanic Gardens in an organised event is a great way to see Melbourne.

“This is a chance for all cyclists, whether than are serious cyclist, ride to work each day or just ride every now and then, to come out and show how popular cycling has become.”

The 21km ride around the streets of Melbourne also caters for toddlers with a small circuit around the finishing village in Docklands.

City Link - Ride the World’s Melbourne

• Date: Sunday 5 September 2010
• Time: 8.00am
• Location: The ride starts from Waterfront City at Docklands
• Who: riders of all fitness levels, 10 years and over
• Charity partner: Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal

Ride the World’s Geelong

• Date: Sunday 3 October
• Time: 9:00am to 11:00am
• The course: fully closed, traffic free, 16km race circuit of the UCI Road World Cycling Championships.

For more information visit www.ridetheworlds.com.au