More than 60 riders are set to take part in round one of the Femme Vitesse series on Sunday, an event previously known as the Women’s Grand Prix cycling series.

The women’s only event will take centre stage, with the race course taking in the streets of the Bendigo CBD.

Femme Vitesse race director Rob Carson said the event was a chance to put the spotlight on female participants.

“Over the past three years of the event we have had phenomenal growth with how many cyclists want to compete,” he said.  

Carson said Mullens, who won the Bendigo leg of last year’s race, would have a good chance of winning again.

“Nicole Whitburn is also returning to the series this year, she finished second overall and will carry the number one tag coming into the race because defending champion Jenny Macpherson isn’t competing,” he said.

“Lauretta Hanson is also in with a chance.”   

There would be three race categories and a novice event on Sunday.            

The day of racing will begin at 11am and conclude with presentations just before 4pm.

Carson said he was looking forward to an exciting day of racing. 

"Bendigo has become a major destination for cyclists," he said.