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Support Pride Month at the final Winter Crit
June 21, 2022
News
In celebration of pride month, Vikings Cycling Club and Canberra Cycling Club are making a commitment to more inclusive racing by showing support for any of our LGBTIQ+ members. Inclusion and diversity is a core value of our clubs, and something we need to keep working on together to ensure we create a safe space for all members. We want to create an environment where all members can be themselves and feel supported to participate in our rides and races. In consultation with the AIS’s Thrive with Pride program, we are working together to develop an official approach on LGBTIQ+ racing for longer term change. However it is never too early to show support for inclusion, so we are asking all our racers for the final winter crit on Sunday 26 June to turn up in their brightest coloured (or rainbow!) kit. By doing this – whether you are part of the LGBTIQ+ community or an ally – it will be a small but important step to show that all are welcome and seen.Committing to supporting pride in sport goes beyond June. The Vikings Cycling Club will also: Add a statement to our website about our commitment to inclusionCreate a new committee role for an inclusion officer. This role will ensure the club has a person who is dedicated to receiving feedback, accountable for driving inclusive practices, and will work with appropriate organisations for advice. Nominations for the role longer term will form part of our Annual General Meeting.Work with the appropriate bodies to identify any appropriate training required for coaches. VCC welcome any feedback or suggestions on what we can do better to promote more inclusive cycling to our women’s officer Kaitlin at women@vikingscycling.org.au...
Our biggest party bunch ever
May 4, 2022
News
At 7pm on Saturday 30 April, the biggest party bunch ever rolled into the Howling Moon bar in Canberra. The rooftop bar was packed with cyclists jostling to get to the hydration station and buzzing with excitement about who would win what. The formal part of the night kicked off with the junior and track awards announced by Llewella and Dan Grillo. Matt Dyne (Road Captain) then took over to announce the club awards. Finally, Melany Toombs (Vice-President and Co-Women’s Development Officer) finished off the awards by handing out the crit awards. The full list of awards can be found below. After a refuel, we came back together to hear from some familiar faces. Rob Fisher (previous President) started off the speeches with a reflection on how far the club had come and regaled the crowd with a story about what it was like to be dope tested during the e-racing series. Michael Buerger (President) spoke about all of the club’s achievements and how we have worked together as a community to support each other through a pandemic. Melany shared the many, many successes of women’s cycling in the club. From the novice track squad to social groups, female membership has been growing steadily. To round out the night, local legend Jim Veal celebrated the juniors of the club and the success of the Women’s Novice track squad who are now on track to worlds! A strong contingent of cyclists stayed at the bar until kick out time showing an impressive feat of endurance. Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a great night! Junior and track awards AwardWinnerJunior of the Year (male)Bailey MacdonaldJunior of the Year (female)Emily WatchMost Improved Junior (male)James BatesMost Improved Junior (female)Sara BuergerLeadership AwardJackson MacdonaldRookie of the YearAshleigh MaasMost EnthusiasticMatilda BredeckSpecial mentionThe entire VCC Junior teamU19/Elite Track Rider of the year Lily StratfordSenior track rider (male)Ryan BatesSenior track rider (female)Ali Hale Club awards AwardWinnerHard nut (generally hardcore)Emma PadovanBest wheel (the one you want to be on, great skills and race instinct) Pete StoreySoft turn (someone who never pulls a turn but is always Sprinting for the win)All of the juniorsVolunteer of the year (biggest contribution)The GrillosNovice of the year (male)Dougal RobertsonNovice of the year (female)Justine U19/Elite Track Rider of the year Lily StratfordClub member of the yearCharlotte HempenstallMost memorable momentsKaren swimming in the lake with her bikeMel riding the Wasabi at 1.30am and again at 6am Crit awards AwardWinnerHighest point scorer (male)Jackson McDonaldHighest point scorer (female)Peta BrillMost likely to race (male)Ian PrestonMost likely to race (female)Peta BrillA/B sprinterRyan BatesC sprinter (male)Michael FouldsC sprinter (female)Peta BrillD sprinter (male)Jarrod TaylorD sprinter (female)Liz LoweZwift awardKirsty Lower...
Race report: Canberra Junior and Women’s Tour
April 27, 2022
News
There was some thrilling racing over the weekend at the KOM Financial Advice Canberra Junior and Women’s Tour. After being cancelled in 2020 and 2021, it was great to see the tour back for 2022. This unique event gives junior and women racers an opportunity to compete in their grades against peers. It was also the first round of the Northwave Junior Road Series and what a beautiful weekend it was to kick the competition off. We’re not going to say that it is where future Australian champions are made, but past winners of the Canberra Junior and Women’s Tour have included Amanda Spratt, Cameron Meyer, Chloe Hosking and Caleb Ewan. First – thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors Commissaires checking the junior bikes before the race. Photo credit: Trenton Smith Before we get into the racing, thanks to our Race Directors Rae Rogers, Matt Dyne and Caetlin Watch for making it a safe and fun time for everyone. The Commissaires also did a great job over the weekend supervising and briefing all the riders. Volunteers make events like this happen, so thanks to everyone who put their hand up to help on the weekend. It wouldn’t have happened without you all. We also need to acknowledge the tireless coordination from our own President, Michael Buerger. It takes a large number of people to deliver an event this size, and Michael ensured everything was locked in and set up for the day. Also thanks to our title sponsor KOM Financial Advice, who stepped up to be a great sponsor for this year’s race. We also had support from 99 Bikes in pulling together the prize pool. We had some great photographers out on the day capturing events: Trenton Smith Photography Vanessa Judge David John Blucher Stage 1 – criterium The hub for the event was at Stromlo Forest Park, and there was a real festival atmosphere as the juniors set out to race the criterium stage on the Saturday morning. The B and C grade women also put on a thrilling race, with local legend and Trek-Segafredo rider Chloe Hosking joining the B grade women’s race to take the event to the next level. We extend a big thanks for Chloe for taking the time out of her weekend to give advice to the riders on the road and hand out the final awards on the Sunday. Trek-Segafredo rider Chloe Hosking (left) joined the B grade women in the criterium. Photo credit: Trenton Smith However, it wasn’t Chloe that stole the show, rather our junior participation riders took the track by storm and melted the hearts of everyone watching! The start line for the under 9 and participation event at Stromlo Forest Park. Photo credit: Trenton Smith Stage 1 results can be found here, congratulations to Vikings riders Bailey MacDonald, Hannah Watch, Ashleigh Mass, Peta Brill and Katie Gregory for making the podium. Stage 2 – Individual Time Trial Vikings CC rider Sara Buerger in the Juniors under 17 time trial. Photo credit: Trenton Smith Following the morning criterium, the second stage was a tough individual time trial out on Uriarra Road, where the false flat tested the legs after the criterium. Results can be found here, and kudos to Hannah Watch, Ashleigh Mass, Katie Gregory and Katelyn Twiss on being top three finishers. Stage 3 – Road Race Junior Men in the final road race stage. Photo credit: Trenton Smith The third and final stage was on the Sunday, where riders were buzzing around Stromlo West carpark eager for their final chance to finish high in the General Classification. While all the grades had a different distance to ride, none of the riders could escape the gruelling Three Sisters climb. You can find out who had the legs to win here, but again we saw Vikings riders Hannah Watch and Katie Gregory finishing in the top three, with Ashleigh Mass winning her under 11 girls race. General classification This was no easy weekend of racing, so a big congratulations to everyone who competed over the weekend, especially those who travelled to Canberra for the event. The full results can be found here but the final podium for the tour were: Women’s C Grade🥇 Toireasa GALLAGHER Bathurst Cycling Club 🥈 Katie GREGORY Vikings Cycling Club 🥉 Erin MACDONALD Northern Sydney Cycling Club Women’s B Grade🥇 Tahlia DOLE Illawarra Cycle Club 🥈 Mercede CORNELIUS-FELTUS Bathurst Cycling Club 🥉 Hallie BOUCHER Hunter Mountain Bike Association Juniors U17 Women🥇 Lauren BATES Canberra Cycling Club🥈 Georgia GARDINER Jindabyne Cycling Club🥉 Nicole DUNCAN Central Coast Cycling Club Juniors U15 Women🥇 Elsie APPS Goulburn Cycle Club 🥈 Chloe PRAGT Canberra Cycling Club 🥉 Lucy ALLEN Illawarra Cycle Club Juniors U17 Men🥇 Eddie WILLIS Tamworth Cycle Club 🥈 Hayden STEVENS Canberra Cycling Club🥉 Luca GEORGE Manly Warringah Cycling Club Juniors U15 Men🥇 Cooper FINKBEINER St George Cycling Club 🥈 Angus WITHINGTON Canberra Cycling Club🥉 Ben COATES Manly Warringah Cycling Club Juniors U13 Girls🥇 Jenna GALLAGHER Bathurst Cycling Club 🥈 Hannah WATCH Vikings Cycling Club 🥉 Charlotte O’SHAUGHNESSY Neo Cycling Club Juniors U11 Girls🥇 Annika ASTRIDGE Canberra Cycling Club🥈 Ashleigh MAAS Vikings Cycling Club 🥉 Grace ALCOCK Illawarra Cycle Club Juniors U13 Boys🥇 Ruben SHEPARD Randwick Cycling Club 🥈 Luca ZUCCHIATTI Neo Cycling Club🥉 Jett STOKES Randwick Cycling Club Juniors U11 Boys🥇 Hugo WILLIAMS Canberra Cycling Club 🥈 Zachary THOMAS Canberra Cycling Club 🥉 Thomas ALLEN Illawarra Cycle Club...
The future of our club on show
March 23, 2022
News
In the 2019/20 track racing season, a handful of VCC juniors were fighting it out at NSW events, with training regularly interrupted by bushfire smoke and extreme heat. The Junior Track pathway for Under 15s and Under 17s is challenging, with tough qualifying times compared to the bigger states. Our VCC juniors are resilient and determined, training throughout the harsh heat and hideous winters on an outdoor track in Narrabundah. For those not familiar with track racing and junior representation, to be eligible for ACT selection, the riders must post at least one qualifying time in one of three timed events – the Flying 200, the Individual Time Trial (covering 500m from a gate start) and the painful Individual Pursuit over 2000m from a gate start. They also compete for results in Sprints, Keirin, Scratch, Elimination and Points races, all providing selectors with a view of their capabilities. In 2019/20, two Vikings juniors qualified to represent the ACT at the Australian Track Nationals – Angus Steadman (Under 15s) and Lily Stratford in her last year at Juniors (Under 17). Bailey Macdonald was the next closest to selection however missed a qualifying time by just 0.05 of a second in the Individual Time Trial – a disappointment that was only comforted with the incentive that ‘there was always next year’. With less than a fortnight to go for our two Vikings to depart for the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane, the pandemic hit and Nationals was cancelled. After such a challenging season leading up to Nationals, the devastation could not be greater for these VCC Juniors who just loved to be on a bike. In 2020/21, two VCC Juniors were selected to represent the ACT at Nationals – Bailey Macdonald and Sara Buerger. Some new faces but all with the same determined VCC spirit and commitment. Unfortunately, the 2020/21 Track Nationals were again cancelled just days prior to the event. So for two years running, our hard working Juniors were unable to represent the ACT on the national stage however again, that disappointment just fuelled the desire for continued improvement. We are now so close to the 2021/22 Australian Track Nationals and it looks like there will be no stopping us this year. Our Juniors have continued to find ways of improving through lockdowns, the lack of competitions and everything else the pandemic threw at them. Along with riders from Canberra Cycling Club, this year has seen a strong group of juniors striving for that elusive qualifying time for Nationals. You would have seen them racing around the Bundahdome, at Supercrits, bunches like the Norman or Prod and when they’ve been on our local road races. So, who are your talented VCC Juniors? Firstly, a special honourable mention must be made for Sara Buerger. After making the team last year as a second year Under 15 but not being able to attend with the cancellation, she then stepped up to the very competitive Under 17s. A bigger gear, faster races, larger bunches and racing with what is regarded as the most talented cohort of u17 women (including record holders and national talent squad members). Throughout the season, Sara battled it out in the front groups, with none other than Lauren Bates (CCC) and others in the national spotlight undertaking a massive learning curve due to the lack of events held in the past 18 months. And although Sara was not able to get a qualifying time, a challenging prospect in the ACT for a first-year Under 17 rider, she is definitely on track to be there next year. 2022 National Junior Track Team from VCC Emily Watch, a second year Under 15 gun has recently moved back to the ACT from Queensland – their loss is our gain! Em worked hard over winter to build her skills and become a well-rounded rider. After winning all her events at the ACT Championships, she went to the NSW Champs, where she took out just about every event, usually with her trademark final 500m sneak attack on the bunch. Em qualified with a 13.51 seconds in the Flying 200 and 40.74 seconds in the Individual Time Trial. Bailey Macdonald, a first year Under 17, showed his talents last year at the Under 15 level with podium potential but could not chase a medal with the cancellation of Nationals. Bailey is a punchy rider who can sprint and fight the lead riders in the bunch events. He is well known for his uncanny ability to read a race and position himself perfectly almost every time. At the ACT Championships, he spent the weekend dualling it out with Eddie Marcks from Canberra Cycling Club (one of the fastest out there) and at NSW Champs, Bailey was never outside the top 6 in every event. Bailey achieved qualifying times in all three events – 11.83 seconds in the Flying 200, 35.5 seconds in the Individual Time Trial and a 2:26.00 in the Individual Pursuit. Angus Steadman, a second year Under 17, has battled injury all summer, however after missing qualifying times in 2020/21, he was determined to get that qualifying time this season. Angus is a talented pursuiter with an excellent track record in the Individual Pursuit and an ability to pull back a split in the bunch races. Angus is a dangerous rider on a final three-lap attack! Focussing on the Individual Pursuit, he set good times all summer, posting a qualifying time of 2:23.94, just 1.94 seconds off the ACTAS benchmark time. Bailey and Angus will also ride the Team Sprint with Eddie Marcks (CCC) and the Team Pursuit with Hayden Stevens (CCC) and Eddie Marcks where it is thought that perhaps the long standing ACT Team Pursuit record could be in reach. The coaches Long-time VCC member and coach Sian Mulholland, responsible for mentoring some of Australia’s best riders to medals at World Championships, Commonwealth Games and the Pro Tour, will be the Head Coach for the team. Throughout the year, the VCC Juniors are coached and supported by a superior Vikings coaching team – Gavin Macdonald, Daniel Grillo, Jim Veal and Ray Gorrell. National Junior Track Championships The National Junior Track Championships kick off at the Anna Meares Velodrome on Thursday 24 March. Our Vikings Juniors will be joined by the equally talented Canberra Cycling Club riders – Chloe Pragt (Under 15), Lauren Bates (Under 17), Angus Withington (Under 15), Hayden Stevens (Under 17) and Eddie Marcks (Under 17). AusCycling will be live streaming the event via the AusCycling YouTube channel. The Seniors Championships is also on the same weekend and will be broadcast as well. And the future only gets brighter with the VCC Saturday Junior Track sessions having record numbers with a few notable youngsters stepping up to Under 15 next season. Junior track racing is the best way of providing a safe environment where the young cyclists learn all of the critical skills needed to be a racer and exceptional bike handlers. The track is a supportive, inclusive and fun community, and more often than not … we had Mum and Dad also giving it a go! Please join us in supporting our VCC Juniors heading to Nationals this weekend. Vikings is so very proud of you all. ...
A Sunny SuperCrits (Nov 18th)
November 19, 2021
News
Hi AllSo our Crit season hasn’t started the way we wanted. First, we had lockdown still around during our first two weeks of scheduled racing, followed by no events for the first two official opening weeks. The first night we were allowed back we ended up with around 20mm of rain fall before and during our racing times, and so for safety reasons we called the race. Last week was our first week back on the track, and it again started racing during the Juniors, Novice and E Grade race. This only got worse during D and C grades, with the conditions getting worse. Again, for safety reasons, we cancelled the A and B Grade races.So it was with no a small amount of Glee that our Race Director rubbed his hands together when looking at the weather forecast for our race on the 18th. Very little chance of rain, and only a small amount of wind. With no Novice program run this year (due to COVID restrictions) our numbers in our first race off the line were on the low side, but it was good to see a number of juniors out and on their bike, Big Props to James on his first Crit. Our second race was A and B grades, with a small A grade field we folded the two grades together and Callum did his utmost to not get beaten by B grade. (with first over the line in both the intermediate sprint and the final, I think we can say he did very well) Our last race for the evening was C and D Grades. With both grades having a healthy number of participants, it was great to experience a nice and settled D grade, although it was noticed that C grade was a little more rambunctious. As always, we do ask for people to remember we are out to race, but more importantly, to have fun. Results can be found at the following Google Sheet.https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iUEe8xJhv-lK9airKu6otS4JzoBvx-Ql0lfCb0MKdbE/edit?usp=sharingResults were a little delayed this week due to some data quality issues, which race management is working on, and hope to have ironed out next week to ensure that results will be posted in a timely manner. If you have any issues with the results, please contact the Race Director via email – supercrits@vikingscycling.org.au We would like to remind riders that currently we are not taking at the event entries. If you have a season pass, you still need to register online for each round (you will not be charged assuming you have a valid season pass). If riders are turning up and are not registered, then technically you will be racing unsanctioned, which in turn voids insurance, so we do remind ALL riders that you MUST register online before the event (Rego currently closes at 1400 on the day of the event) and sign on at the desk before your race. If you would like to purchase a season pass, they can be purchased from the following linkhttps://entryboss.cc/races/8925 Racing resumes next week, with Novice/Juniors/EGrades starting at 17:50 as normal, followed by D and C Grades at 18:15 and A and B Grades at 18:59. Please remember to turn up ten minutes before your race time so you can get through rego in a timely manner....
SuperCrits 2021/22 Season
October 19, 2021
News
So our new season is nearly upon us.While we had hoped to have started two weeks ago, minor issues like lockdowns had been stopping us.With the allowances of Group Sport Recommencement from the 29th Oct, our season will now be starting on the 4th November.Like road races, we will be running with the idea (at least to begin with) of Turn Up, Race, Leave. While we would love to have a crowd to hang around and cheer, this isn’t something the current restrictions can accept, so lets follow the guidelines so that we can continue to race.Racing this year will continue as two grades racing simultaneously, with separation between the grades.Race Numbers – We are migration to the new AusCyclingACT race numbers. New numbers will be available at the races, and electronic timing will be run on a race by race basis.Entry cost is staying at $10/race, with Juniors still racing free (And a drink supplied for every rider, too).Season pass costs $100.Entries will start off ONLY being accepted via entryboss, no on the day entries at this stage. Season Pass Link: https://entryboss.cc/races/8925Season pass owners will need to register on a race by race basis.November 4th Entry – https://entryboss.cc/races/8924November 11th Entry – https://entryboss.cc/races/8930 Calendar/Race Times...
Vikings Cycling Club Race Numbers
July 8, 2021
News
VCC personal race numbers are now available for all who want to race locally. You can request to keep an existing number, request your favourite number, or take a random allocation. All of the info is attached for anyone interested in racing. Fill in the form embedded in the document, collect your number, and race! Hurry in, forms will be due 18th July so we can have your number to you by end of July.VCC-Race-numbers-race-results-finalDownload...
Recent Novices Star in Snowy Valley
June 24, 2021
News
The chicks take the challenge! Five 2020 novice program graduates and one 2021 new-club joiner, participated in the Snowy Valley Challenge on Sunday the 28th of March 2021 down at Adelong. The ride starts at Adelong, continues up through Batlow, through alpine country and winds back to Adelong. The ride itself has various distances dependant on rider ability and fitness and we chose the 72km distance. Around the new year, a social media post advertising the ride was seen and it was decided that the girls would give it a go. It would be the longest ride for some of us and our biggest climb. In comparison to some bigger rides, it might be small change, but we all start somewhere and it was a challenge and a great achievement for us all. Leading into the race, Tuesday’s tended to be the day for morning training rides, as well as the Norman and some longer weekend rides. Not everyone could commit to each one, as we all had our individual commitments to conduct, but overall training was strong and team oriented. Closer to the race date we could feel the trepidation mixed in with excitement amongst the bunch. Mount Pleasant, Black Mountain and the Arboretum slowly developed as the training grounds for incline laps and hill training and one of us even managed a Starva wreath at the Arboretum for most climbs completed in the last 90 days. Hilarious for the not-so-experienced, or returning-to- cycling cyclists!! Closer again we came to the race and we began to be to think – have we done enough, can we do it, am I ready, who’s good idea was this, but it was all mixed in with the blind faith that this was going to be great and a lot of fun!! We had a zoom meeting the week prior, where we decided what we were taking and who was driving with whom. The day before the race, we all piled into the cars and made our way to Tumut. Two of us had completed the first day of the skills sessions associated with the Women’s development program. A blessing or a curse it was, as the skills sessions focused on ascending and descending. Great skills to have and to take into the ride the following days but hill repeats the day before – come on now, who’s going to be fresh for our longest ride ever??? Ahhh… not some of us!! So it’s not called the Snowy Valley Challenge for no reason. Snowy, generally indicates mountainous and cold, and well part of the title also says valley, so we can suffice to say it was going to go up and down but only time would tell! Tumut it was for our overnight stay and on arrival many of us remarked that it wasn’t that warm here – Um, yep, we’re definitely in the colder regions now ladies. We all checked into the Oriental hotel with our twin rooms, feeling like we were on a girl guides expedition, without the badges. Off to the other pub in town for dinner so as to support as many local business as we could. We had the whole pub in stitches laughing at us though. One of us would say a joke, we’d all laugh and then the locals would laugh at us.. Very odd but quite funny. Various meal choices were chosen for dinner. Carb loading for some, wine for others with the quote of the evening being ‘your dinner looks like compost!’ Hmm.. cheers!! Lol!! Sunday morning race day finally arrived, after rather an interesting night staying above a country pub on a Saturday night. Ahh, the dulcet sounds of swearing, doors slamming and Whitney Houston wafting through the ceiling. Whilst we do love you Whitney, do be quiet, we have a race on in the morning! So you can imaging in the morning some of us were sprightly and some of us were.. well, not so!! Quick, coffee, stat!! So.. The ride.. yes, the ride!!! We drove to Adelong all kitted up, and readied our bikes to the starting line. One last pit stop, a bit of bike faffing and the obligatory team huddle; do we have enough lollies, can I have some now, are we warm enough, am I ready for this, yeah we’ve got this team but internally thinking geez it’s a long way. I’m glad we only looked at the elevation profile last night so there wasn’t too many sleepless nights leading into it. We started our ride in the second wave and rode together in a group like we ride at home. It was great to be able to ride together from the start. We loosely rolled around, some of us rode further head with the inclines, but the same as always, we’d regroup at the top. We were all taking the scenery in and saying how beautiful it was, including the first part out of Adelong which was the first 12% incline – some of us noticed it and some didn’t. It seemed to be a long slow steady climb to Batlow where it just went up and up and got colder and colder as it went on. Yay Batlow, a few of us thought, the first food stop! Whereas some of us also thought – great, Batlow we have ages to go!! Batlow wouldn’t be Batlow if they didn’t have all things apples, and the food stop was certainly great. Apple pies as far as we could see. Yes please, we’ll have some apple pie from the lovely old ladies that baked them. Batlow was a fun sleepy little stop with quite a few locals out for a wave and a few supportive words. We needed all we could get at that stage as we hit the yellow lines on the road and said things like – look out ladies we’re in alpine country now and yes we were!! Cause straight out of Batlow again we climbed. This climb really spread us out and the incline just kept coming. Into the second food stop, the time checkpoint, and a chat with the volunteers, as this stop was definitely very remote. This part of the ride was quite a turning point for us, where in terms it began to become psychological. We’d been riding for about three hours (including stops) and we were itchy to get to the end and well, it was every person for themselves at this stage. So as much as we were a team, it really because our own individual challenge. We’re sore, we’re tired, we’re sunburnt, we’re having a great time, but we need to get this done. Just clear your mind and just ride. So off we all went at our own pace. The last part of the ride had some fantastic descents and for those of us who had done the Women’s Development skills sessions the day before, it really help integrate those skills (despite the sore legs) into the ride. Down into the drops some of us went, covering our brakes, pedalling through corners, picking the right line, looking further ahead. What would have been terrifying winding, downhill sections was ridden much more confidently putting our new skills in action. Some last few looks at our race trackers, 55kms, yep big chunk done, 60kms, feels like we’re coming into town, 65kms, oh really, not more up hill, 70kms, we see the Adelong sign, yes, we’re going to make it and we didn’t flake!! Felt like the only flat section was crossing the finish line but we all made it and trickled over the line 1st of team, then 2nd and the more of us that crossed the line the more excited we were! Come on gang, let’s get a celebratory beer and make sure we’re back at the finish line by the time our final team member crossed the line. We saw her coming and just about flanked the finish line with our massive cheers and beers to let her know we were all here, we were all together, we had all finished and were back together. The Adelong show was also on at the same time so we had a good sticky-beak at what was for sale and indulged in a few goodies along the way. One must refuel of course after a big ride. Good to see some fellow riders and friends that we recognised too and had taken on the challenge. Some a shorter race and others, much, longer (but we can train for that). We took our time getting ready, basking in the fact that it was over and laughing and recounting some of the times and moments we had had on the ride, but ultimately glad it was over. We then all piled back in the cars and returned to Canberra. All in, it was a fantastic experience. From the Novice course, meeting new riders, being part of the Women’s development skills sessions, establishing the confidence in our bikes, training and building our team spirit to finishing our first road ride. Had we not stuck together as such cohesive and supportive group at the start, we don’t think we would have rode as well as we did for the whole ride. So it was a great team ride overall. The Snowy Valley Cycle Challenge itself was fantastic and the organisers are trying to grow the event and make it bigger and better. It’s so close to home and in an area where the bushfires went through, so we would urge everyone to consider registering for next year. Be part of the challenge, in a beautiful part of the country, with an exciting ride, supporting a great local area....
Tour of Bright Training Squad 2021
May 26, 2021
News
Tour of Bright Training Squad Vikings Cycling Club will be running a Training development program for members wanting to either race at this years’ Tour of Bright or take part in the fondo. The iconic Bright Brewery Tour of Bright is a three-stage road race and is one of the most fiercely contested club races on the VRS Road Series calendar. It is held in the first week of December and boasts amazing alpine scenery, competitive racing and welcoming support from the local cycling club and community. In the absence of a grand-fondo, Vikings riders are still encouraged to come-along, ride the spectacular rides around the area and join the racers at the end of each day. Whether your goal is to take-out the General Classification, ride strong in the pack or build your climbing abilities, this program will help you develop towards these goals while providing a fun and supportive squad environment for those ups-and-downs along the way. The program offers: – A supportive squad environment to help you reach your goals. – The chance to experience a cracking weekend as part of close-knit group of Vikings racers and supporters. – A training program utilising a mix of Vikings group rides, squad rides, local club races and individual sessions. – Individual training plans built around your goals and other life commitments. – (The potential to hold a training camp will also be explored). Vikings Cycling Club has a great reputation of sending down a strong and fun squad in years past. As recently as 2019 Vikings boasted two GC winners, a QoM, KoM runner-up, Sprint classification runner-up, a host of podium appearances and a bunch of great memories to take home. Fondo riders that have also made the journey have had a blast and are a huge part of making it a great weekend. If you’re interested, please email Coach@vikingscycling.org.au to sign-up or to find out more. The program will begin in mid-to-late June. Spots will be limited so sign-up quick....
Peaks Challenge 2021 – A Self-Motivated Challenge
March 21, 2021
News
I entered on a bit of a whim…as an incentive to train and force myself to see if I could go faster. When I asked my son Sam about what my training plan should look like over the 3 months available, he said just lose 20kg…that was confronting. So I ignored him, and set about actually training…which was a first for me. I spent the first few months doing long rides…and the rest doing lots of hills. I got to know Corin and Black Mountain much better than I wanted to…but pleasingly, times were improving. Two weeks out a few of us headed to Jindabyne and did Beloka and Tom Groggin before starting to wind it back. The ride metrics of 235km, 4500m of climbing and a 13 hour hard cutoff loomed over my thinking in the entire lead up…the distance and climbing I could do, but not within 13 hours. On the day I just set about getting it done…over the three climbs, my average climbing power fell from 250w on Tawonga, to 220w on Hotham, down to a measly 180w up the Back of Falls. If I was to give you any tips or if you were contemplating it…they would be:1) if you’re on the heavier side, make the time up in the descents if you can…then find a sustainable climbing rate that doesn’t try and keep up with everybody who’s passing you2) manage food in a way that ensures you don’t get to the Back of Falls and can’t stomach anything sweet, but desperately need calories to get up the hill…3) don’t compare yourself to anybody…just ride your own ride…everybody is different…it can be mentally challenging having people speeding past you on the hillsAfter all my nonsense, I slipped in before the cutoff and had a delightful pasta dinner thanks to our soigneur extraordinaire Michael Ryan.This whole thing really proved to me what Vikings is about…everywhere I turned there were club members with supportive and motivating comments, helpful training ideas and useful experiences that I could draw on for my own planning. We formed a pretty tight group of Vikings who, despite having very different training approaches, speeds and goals, all supported each other to help us all get there. We shared a couple of apartments in Falls which really added to the shared camaraderie.Vikings punched above its weight bringing a team of 16, comprising 25% women...
