Just days after being selected in Victoria's team for the national track titles, Dean will race off 65m in the fourth of five wheelrace heats at the Tom Flood Sports Centre.

A big year for Dean included fifth placing in the 1km time trial at the world junior track titles in South Korea.

His feats on the track across 2013-14 earned a monthly award in the Bendigo Advertiser Sports Star of the Year award.

Now in its 50th year, Sports Star is proudly backed by Bendigo Bank and Prime 7.

In Sunday's racing, the first five in each heat qualify for the Harrington family and City of Greater Bendigo-sponsored classic.

Dean's opponents in his heat include Kyle Marwood, 105m; Josh Gundry, 165m; Adam Jackson, 200; and Dean McNamara, 215.

Heat three includes several experienced campaigners.

Brendan Schultz and Cameron Parlevliet are co-markers off 95m and will chase the likes of Haydn Bradbury, 100m; Todd Schintler, 120m; Luke Knox, 140m; Bendigo District Cycling Club president Justin Leske, 180m; and Sam O'Dea, 210.

Home-track contenders aiming to reach the final from heat two include Sean Pontelandolfo, 130m; Aidan Hamilton, 175m; and Lawrie Naughton, 265m.

The fluoro yellow of Bananaman will again be on show when he races off 280m in the first heat.

A big day of racing at the Barnard Street track starts with the juniors at 2pm and will be followed by the senior program from 6pm.

Imogen Jelbart will mark her return to Bendigo by racing off 65m in the women's wheelrace (2000m).

Rivals include Lauretta Hanson, 80m; Lara Batkin, 100m; Gabrielle Belz, 170m; and Nicole Holt, 230m.

The women's feature event is sponsored by Precision Formworking and Pro-Found Civil.

Bendigo's carnival is the second leg in the Christmas series.

Racing starts at Horsham on Saturday before riders roll into Bendigo and then on to Shepparton and Wangaratta.

Admission prices for the Bendigo carnival are $5 adult, $3 pensioners, free entry for under-16.