ATHLETICS and cycling fans from near and far will start rolling into Bendigo later this week to witness the biggest carnival of its type in the southern hempishpere.
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At Tuesday night's launch of the Bendigo International Madison in Town Hall, Cr James Williams said the classic was one "so many look forward to" each year.
Enthusiasts from far and wide will line the city street's for Friday night's criterium action and then be at the Tom Flood Sports Centre for the weekend's racing.
Cr Williams said the event injects more than $1.5m to the city's economy.
Chairman of the BIM committee, Warren Sinnott said the city's cycling strength was reflected in the 50th Bendigo Bank Bendigo Advertiser-Prime 7 Sports Star of the Year award.
Five of the finalists were from cycling.
"They all do us proud," Mr Sinnott said of the feats of those on the road, track, mountains or BMX circuit.
World track cycling champion Glenn O'Shea was joint winner of Sports Star for 2014-15.
A four-time winnner, O'Shea is back in his old hometown to chase a third Bendigo International Madison victory.
He will team with Jack Bobridge in Sunday night's McCaig Daikin Airconditioning-backed madison.
A huge weekend includes the RACV women's and Andy's Earthmovers men's criterium on Friday night.