“There is no one-day race like this in the world,” Lampater replied when asked by Sydney Olympics madison champion Scott McGrory what made Bendigo’s race so unique.

Lampater is one of several overseas stars who will pursue victory in the McCaig Airconditiong and Daikin-backed track cycling classic on Sunday night.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Rod Campbell said the carnival injected more than $1.6 million to the region’s economy each year.

Chairman of the organising committee Warren Sinnott said the country’s biggest athletics-cycling

carnival continued to draw stars from near and far.

A hardworking committee, which includes CEO Rik McCaig, has put in many hours preparing for the 39th running of one of the city’s biggest sports events.

Changes for this weekend’s carnival included Friday night’s RetireInvest cycling criterium being raced along Pall Mall from 6.30pm.