More than 50 barristers will be on-call as the 2010 World Road Championships in cycling start today (29 September) in Victoria.

Working pro bono, 51 barristers will be available to represent athletes and team officials should any disputes arise during the competition.

"All kinds of issues can crop up at these important sporting events - such as criminal matters, disciplinary hearings or even hearings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Tony Nolan SC, a sports law barrister said.

Cycling has been tainted by a range of scandals over recent years. Floyd Landis, who was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title after testing positive to drugs, told a press conference in Geelong yesterday that he "took too long" to come clean about his own drug use.

Over 400 cyclists will compete in time trial and road races in Geelong from 29 September to 3 October. Australian Cadel Evans is the reigning champion.

While barristers will be on-call during the Geelong event, one lawyer who will be sitting in the saddle is Bryn Hannan.

The DibbsBarker property and projects lawyer leaves for Hawaii tomorrow to compete in the famous Ironman World Championship event on 9 October.

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In addition to doing a 180km cycle, competitors start with a 3.8km swim and finish with a full marathon.