UCI: Boom and bust

Andrew Mathieson
ONE Geelong West mechanic is facing $30,000 losses because cars can’t reach his garage on Pakington Street.
Bicycles not cars will take precedence during cycling’s biggest international road event next week set to gridlock several inner city streets.
Organisers have refused to compensate traders facing a drop in customers.
But others are preparing for a boom as thousands promise to line the streets during five days of competition.
Geelong Steering and Brake Specialists was one of several businesses expecting a downturn from the UCI Road World Championships, including some that were closing down for the week.
Mechanic Clint Bruce said unlike other affected businesses, cars were his customers.
“I’m still going to try and stay open,” he said. “We’re having a skeleton staff.”
Mr Bruce said since his Pakington Street entry would be blocked, a small side door off Collins Street could be a saviour if motorists could negotiate nearby streets.
The mechanics also faces problems accessing parts from suppliers on the other side of Melbourne Road.
“I think the cycling is a great thing for the city, but logistically I don’t think they have thought about it too well,” Mr Bruce said.
Blue Suede, a men’s fashion store, will have three of its four Geelong stores affected.
Owner Richard Henderson expects trade to be “horrendous”.
He said Geelong West traders delivered a few key strategies to council including parking in wider streets to help cope but were snubbed.
“I think they have ploughed into it without a lot of thought for locals,” Mr Henderson said.
“Not just retail but people who live locally – I think it’s pretty disgusting.”
City Hall has defended the inconvenience behind Geelong hosting the UCI Road World Championships with estimates predicting 300,000 visitors worth $50 million to the region.
“While we acknowledge that there will be disruptions to normal routine, there is no entitlement to compensation to be paid by council,” City’s projects recreation general manager Dean Frost said.
But Nordenfine Ice Cream’s Doran Mounsey welcomed cycling’s travelling circus.
“It should be the best week of trading since we opened two years ago here in Geelong,” he said.
Mr Mounsey compares it to five days of Pako Fest.
Nordenfine usually sells nearly 5,000 ice creams during school holidays, but expects to sell closer to 100,000 next week to passersby.
“I have been here since five this morning making ice creams and I will be doing the same tomorrow,” he said.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce president Jim Walsh said savvy businesses were leasing out their rooftops to cashed-up observers.
“I think people in and around the course, whether they be businesses or residents, are looking at how they might best use their premises,” he said.