(Sean Quentin Lee is a freelance journalist, cycling buff and BPL contributor)

Australian cycling fans are salivating at the prospect of seeing some of the world's best cyclists in action this summer. The sporting public will be spoilt for choice this January as the Jayco Bay Classic criterium series, the national championships and the Tour Down Under are all boasting their strongest fields ever.

The Jayco Bay Classic kicks things off, running from January 2-5. In its 22nd year, the world's fastest criterium is renowned for its thrills and spills and is based in Geelong and Williamstown.

With former winners Robbie McEwen, Bayden Cook and Mark Renshaw being joined by Commonwealth Games champ Allan Davis, the Under-23 road champion Michael Matthews and other riders such as Richie Porte, Graeme Brown, Matthew Goss and the Sulzberger brothers, this edition promises to be one of the best ever.

Not to be missed: The popular twilight stage held on the tight Ritchie Boulevard circuit along the foreshore of Geelong's Eastern Beach.

The Nationals, held in the Ballarat region run from January 6-11. With criterium, time trial and road race titles up for grabs, the people of Ballarat will be treated to an extravaganza of cycling.

Track hero and Australian cyclist of the year, Cameron Meyer, will be attempting the triple crown, an ambitious task but one that he is more than capable of. He will have fierce opposition though with the likes of Giro hero Richie Porte and multiple grand tour stage winner Simon Gerrans also hungry for success. Add an eager Allan Davis to the mix and you can be sure that the fireworks will fly.

The criterium will be held in the centre of Ballarat around the tree lined Sturt Street precinct, the road races will be held over the challenging Mt. Buninyong circuit and the time trials will be held at Lake Learmonth.

Not to be missed: The atmosphere in the township of Buninyong and on the slopes of the climb during the road races. Soak in the ambience and then relax with a coffee or milkshake at one of the local cafes.

The Tour Down Under, held in and around Adelaide run from January 16-23 will conclude the summer of cycling. Crowds in the hundreds of thousands are expected to be lining both the street circuits and the road routes, there is also little doubt that this is the premier cycling event in Australia. This year promises to be extra special with the world's fastest sprinter, Mark Cavendish, going head to head with arch rival Tyler Farrer and last year's winner Andre Greipel.

Cavendish will be aided in his quest by Australian lead out men, Mark Renshaw and Matthew Goss, and is set to dazzle Australian audiences with his speed and audacity. Add to that the small matter of this being Lance Armstrong's final competitive ride outside of the USA and the inclusion in his team of Robbie McEwen, and the race becomes one that must be attended.

Not to be missed: Stage 5. Stand on the roadside at Willunga Hill and get a taste of what the crowds at the Tour de France must be like.