Inline speedskating is coming of age in Melbourne and Victoria, Australia, with competitions on both road and track for individuals and relay teams. Melbourne now has the most number of street races in Australia. Almost all racing in the State of Victoria, indoor and outdoor, is now on inline skates. Some skaters are still competing with conventional quad skates, but they do so at a disadvantage. The change in the sport, a few years ago, has had its toll on skaters because of the change in technique and the massive financial outlay required to participate.
Inline skates are more than double the price of conventional quad skates.
About three years ago, the Victorian speedskating competitors were ranked second in Australia, but the switch to inlines has changed all that. Queensland and Western Australia have leaped ahead, much of this due to local government support. Nevertheless, the Victorian Relay team is still amongst the top ranking in Australia and is on the improve. In 1994 they won the Australian Championship relay race. The Queensland skaters were second and New South Wales came third.