Cycle city: American Andrew Talansky turns into Moorabool Street during UCI racing this week. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 54130
John Van Klaveren
GEELONG’S 2010 UCI Road World Championships got off to a slow start everywhere but on the track this week, according to traders and racing results.
Australian under-23 time trialist Luke Durbridge set a fast pace early to score a silver medal but few spectators were on hand to watch his heroics.
Intermittent rain showers scattered a few hundred taking in the novelty of a world cycling event.
Traders did their best to capitalise on the event but said business was slow on the first two days.
Camera House’s Brian Ibbotson said trade was down significantly, with residents keeping clear of the central city area due to road closures.
He was hopeful businsess would pick up later in the week.
Snowgum assistant manager Lauren Maxsted said sales were good, with overseas visitors browsing the store.
“We had more people come in especially when the weather turned,” Ms Maxsted said.
My Hair manager Julie Thomas said her trade was down, with many businesses she supplied also cancelling orders.
“It’s a domino effect – they have no customers so they don’t need stock,” she said.
“I know there’s a longer term pay-off but not for us. Bigger crowds are expected on Sunday but I won’t be open.”
Phil Thomson, of Geelong Sports and Memorabilia, said the grand final draw had helped him survive the cycling event.
“It’s quiet but so be it. If we want to put Geelong on the map, we have to be prepared to put up with a quiet week.
“We’ve had a few tourists through but I don’t think they quite get Australian Rules football.
“Hopefully it will pick up later in the week. I’m open Saturday and Sunday, so we’ll see what the crowds are like then.”
Coverage of the event was widespread, with screens spread throughout central Geelong.
Event marketing manager Taryn Kirby said coverage would be at saturation point, with media representatives from 271 news agencies across 28 nations converging on Geelong.
Organisers had accredited 40 television cameramen, 60 commentators, 117 photographers and 144 journalists, she said.
Host broadcaster Network Ten had 141 staff on the ground to cover the five-day event for an estimated worldwide audience of 400 million.
City of Greater Geelong expects an economic boost of $50 million from 300,000 spectators.
Media manager David Culbert said organisers were pleased with the opening day.
“The city of Geelong looks spectacular on television. We’ve received lots of comments on how good the television pictures look, which is one of the key benefits of the event.
“We’re happy with the crowds. It’s what we expected for the first day of competition.
“The weather was a challenge for the riders more than anything else but that’s what makes road racing what it is.
“Geelong people, generally speaking, have been enthusiastic about the event.”
VicRoads’ traffic management centre reported some confusion amongst motorists on the first day of full-course road closures.
“Geelong motorists appear to have picked up the closures pretty quickly because things ran very smoothly after the initial confusion,” a spokesman said.
