The popular carnival again drew several competitors from South Australia and New South Wales to the Tom Flood Sports Centre.

The soaring temperatures at the Barnard Street track were matched by the fast-paced contests for victory in the scratch and wheelraces.

Among the many standout competitors was Godfrey Slattery in the under-17 competition.

Despite starting 20 metres behind scratch, Slattery was able to round up all rival to win the 1600m handicap final.

A great afternoon for Slattery included winning the A-grade eight-lap scratch race ahead of Bendigo young gun Isaac Buckell.

The night's racing began with the duel for the Victorian under-17 boys' 7.5km scratch racing championship.

Godfrey powered to the title ahead of Bendigo's Isaac Buckell, Ryan Korokani and Nathan Bof.

First-year president at Bendigo and District Cycling Club, Justin Leske said the Christmas carnival again drew a lot of support.

"Racing numbers in the juniors are up on last year," Leske said.

"Numbers in the senior were down slightly, but overall Bendigo still has the highest number of competitors across all four carnivals."

The series began at Horsham on Saturday and rolls on to Shepparton on Monday ahead of Tuesday's finale at Wangaratta.

"Bendigo has always been able to attract a lot of riders," Leske said of the Christmas carnivals.

"The city's reputation as a cycling power, the central location, and a great track all play a big part in drawing riders to race here."

Leske said a hardworking committee and team of volunteers ensured Bendigo's carnival was always well run.

"For many years the Bendigo and District Cycling Club committee and members have put in a lot of work toward the Christmas carnival.

"The support we have from other clubs from across Victoria and interstate is fantastic.

"The Lindsay Harrington Memorial Wheelrace is one of the biggest events on the club calendar.

"It's been won by a lot of talented riders over the years."

He said sponsors were crucial in chipping in prizemoney for all age groups.

Leske said many of Bendigo's up-and-coming cyclists performed well in Sunday's racing.

On a track where the Frank McCaig Stand is at the western end, another McCaig shone.

This time it was Alessia McCaig who raced to victory in the under-13 girls' 1000m wheelrace.

It was a double for Malachi Covington as he followed up his win in the under-13 boys' four-lap scratch race by outsprinting rivals in the 1000m wheelrace final.

Bendigo's Marcus Walker took out both of the  under-11 boys' four-lap scratch races.

The under-11 boys' 600m handicap final was won by Rhys Davey.

Another well-known in cycling, Giramondo was to the fore on Bendigo's track.

Ava Giramondo won both of the under-11 girls' four-lap scratch race.

Wagga Wagga's Rebel Brooker capped the many hours it took her family to travel to Bendigo by winning both of the under-13 girls' scratch races.

The Bradbury sisters, Neve and Isla achieved a quinella in the first of the under-15 girls' scratch races. Neve was first ahead of Isla and Bendigo's Amber Lyons.

Wheelrace winners at the Barnard Street track included Lilyth Jones, under-11 girls; Ash Jackson, under-15 girls; Harry Morgan, under-15 boys; and Charlotte Thompson, under-17 girls.

Racing at Shepparton starts with the juniors at 1pm.

The senior program includes the GMCU Shepparton Wheelrace, Women;s Wheelrace, and the Tucker Maskell Memorial men's 5km championship.