It's the big one. The last big one of the season, at any rate. The World Championship road race means the opportunity to sport the iconic rainbow bands for an entire season, and a rainbow trim on every jersey worn for the rest of their career.
Wherever it takes place, the circuit setup means it is a race that tends to follow a particular formula. The excitement builds with every passage of the finish line, while riders pull out as their day's work is done.
Ad The men's course in Wollongong comprises a 60km run-in via Mount Keira (7.5km, 5.7% average gradient) followed by 12 laps around the city.
The climbing (4000m in total) is a lot, and sure to eat into the riders reserves. This more than usual could be a year that favours the bigger (stronger, faster, better) teams, with the first name on our lips likely the main beneficiary.