For the first time in the history of the UCI Road World Championships, local cyclists will get the chance to ride on the race circuit before the elite men take to the course in the battle for the rainbow jersey.

Marking 100 days to go until the world's best riders take to the streets of Geelong, Cycle Sport Victoria and the Melbourne 2010 organising committee today launched two 'Ride the Worlds' participation ride which will run in conjunction with the 2010 UCI Road World Championships.

Ride the Worlds Geelong, held on the challenging 16km circuit around Geelong prior to the start of the elite men's race on Sunday 3 October, will give up to 2500 amateur cyclists the chance to experience what it might be like to be world champion for a day.

Participants will also receive a one-off Melbourne 2010 jersey and will be supporting the Amy Gillett Foundation's quest to keep everyone safer on our roads.

Phil Anderson, the first Australian to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, says this is a unique opportunity that shouldn't be missed.

"One of the great things about going to the football as a kid was having a kick on the ground after the game. But getting to ride the course being used for the world championships before the race arrives is a once in a life time opportunity," Anderson said.

"The atmosphere on the course for those taking part in the ride will be an experience they will never be able to recreate again in Australia.

"Riding around a closed circuit, as the anticipation is building to the main race, will give those keen cyclists who have dreamt about riding the world championships a chance to live that dream for a day."

The Melbourne event, which also features a small 'Ride of Future Champions' for children under 10, gives families and riders of all fitness levels the chance to get into the spirit of the world championships, and raise money for the worthy Royal Children's Hospital.

"No country that has hosted the World Championships in the past 73-years has done something like this," said Anderson, who has ridden and finished the Tour de France more times (13) than any other Australian.

"One of the highlights of this ride will be the roads the cyclists get to use. Cyclists can't normally go on the Bolte Bridge and to be able to ride through the city and around the Royal Botanic Gardens in an organised event is a great way to see Melbourne.

"This is a chance for all cyclists, whether they are serious cyclist, ride to work each day or just ride every now and then, to come out and show how popular cycling has become."

Ride the Worlds Geelong

Date: Sunday, 3 October
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Where: Geelong – 16km closed race circuit of the 2010 UCI Road World Championships
Who: Riders of all fitness levels, 18 years and over. Limited to 2500 entries
Cost: $300 (additional hospitality options available)
Charity: Amy Gillett Foundation

Entries for the Ride the Worlds' events is now open. More information available at Ride the Worlds > Official website

Victoria will be in the international spotlight when the world's best cyclists converge on Melbourne and Geelong. The UCI Road World Championships stand at the pinnacle of the world cycling calendar, ranking alongside the Tour de France as one of the most coveted prizes in cycling.

It is only the sixth time the race has been hosted outside Europe and will shine an international spotlight on Victoria, Melbourne and Geelong, with an expected global television audience of 400 million.

The UCI Road World Championships, held from Wednesday 29 September to Sunday 3 October, will include road races and individual time trials for elite men and women and under-23 men.

As a prelude to the championships, the Herald Sun World Cycling Classic Ballarat will take place on Sunday, 26 September.