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October 3, 2023NewsAre you ready to take your cycling journey to the next level? Do you need structured training for your next event?
Cheryl Hulskamp will be running a 6-week ACT Development Squad from 31 October until 7 December 2023.
This squad is open the all genders and aims to empower you to elevate your skills and abilities, improve your fitness, and make connections with fellow cyclists. Designed to build your fitness for events such as Tour of Bright or Peaks Challenge, together you will train with others to improve fitness, tactics, and nutrition.
All ages, backgrounds, abilities, and cycling clubs are welcome.
The cost of the entire program is $200.
Express your interest:
The Squad is now inviting expressions of interest from riders looking to join us. Applications close on Wednesday 25 October 2023. Register your interest via Expression of Interest form.
What to expect
Tailored Weekly Training Plan: Receive a customised weekly training plan designed to suit your fitness level and cycling goals
Masterclass Skill Development: Engage in masterclass-style skill development sessions that target specific skills
Duration: The program goes over 6 weeks starting on 31 October 2023
Inclusive Community: Join an inclusive community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and cycling clubs
Weekly Training Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays (6:00 AM to 7:15 AM) there will be on-road coaching sessions focusing on fitness and cycling skills. Sessions cater to various fitness levels
Masterclass Session: Saturday (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) there will be an extended 2-hour masterclass session offering advanced climbing and descending skills training.
What you need
Road bike in a roadworthy condition, that is all brakes and gears working correctly, tyres in good condition, handlebar plugs installed, etc
Helmet that meets Australian standards (AS2062:2008)
Bike computer with cadence meter
Tools, such as Allen key, spare tubes, tyre levers, pump/CO2 canister
Lights (front and rear)
Current AusCycling membership
Water/food
Location
Tuesday and Thursday training sessions:
Most sessions will start from Lennox Gardens in Yarralumla
Meet at 5:55 AM for a 6 AM start
Sessions expected to finish by 7/7:15 AM
There will be a post-ride debrief session to discuss the training and ask any quesitons
Optional post-ride coffee
First session
Tuesday 31 October 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 am
Location: Pavilion, Stromlo Forest Park
Session Focus: Introductions, helmet and license check, initial assessments and the first skill development session
Remember to bring your AusCycling license, bike and helmet
Meet the coach
Cheryl is a Level 2 NCAS Certified AusCycling Coach, with over 25 years of coaching experience guiding athletes in various cycling disciplines and abilities. She is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential and is an accomplished athlete, having represented Australia twice a the World Masters Championships in Velodrome cycling, earning 6 medals. She has also competed in the National Road Series (NRS) and excelled in mountain biking (cross country and downhill) winning the NSW State Downhill Series.
More information
For further information, please contact Cheryl Hulskamp at cheryl.hulskamp@icloud.com [...]
July 17, 2023NewsThe Spring Novice Program is now open for registration!
The VCC Novice Program is aimed at bringing new riders into the world of road cycling and racing in a safe and supportive environment. The program is a highlight every year, for participants and mentors!
The 8-week program will start from 5 September and go until 26 October 2023.
Entries close Monday 28 August 2023.
Signing up for the program
To participate in the program you will need to register through EntryBoss and have an AusCycling membership (Race licence or Lifestyle).
We recommend only signing up for the program if you can commit to attend at least the first 2 weeks. If you miss these sessions we have found that riders will not have enough confidence to participate fully in the rest of the program.
You can chose to sign up for either the:
Tuesday group (session 1) – for those comfortable riding with an average speed of 25km/h or more – starts 5 September
Thursday group (session 2) – for those more comfortable riding with an average speed below 25km/h – starts 7 September
Each group will be limited to 15 and the full program costs $165, which includes a free Vikings Cycling Club jersey valued at $130!
Which group is right for you?
While each group will follow the same program, we try our best to align people’s goals and speeds so you can get the most out of the program. However, if you can’t make the day more aligned to your ability, don’t worry you can still join the other group.
Tuesday group (Session 1)
This group is best for those who have ridden a bit and have some fitness under their belt. In particular those flirting with the idea of giving racing a go or pushing their limits in some endurance events.
If you are a bit speedier but looking for people to ride with regularly, or maybe you just want to nail some commute segments on Strava, then this group is probably best for you.
Thursday group (Session 2)
This group is good for those who have ridden a little bit on their own and want to meet other people to ride with (safely).
If your wanting to challenge yourself by taking on an organised participation event for the first time, or just keen to see where cycling takes you, then this group is probably best for you.
Questions?
Email us at novice@vikingscycling.org.au [...]
July 12, 2023NewsThe wait is over! Your dedicated committee has collaborated with local company MVMNT to bring you the next generation of the Vikings club kit. Our new custom clothing portal is now open! Order now to get your new VCC kit so you can look your best before SuperCrits start back this spring.
The store will close 11.59pm Friday 4 August. Following the portal closure, delivery is expected within 4 to 6 weeks.
The drop includes a range of men and women’s kit including:
Club and race fit jerseys
Long and short bibs
Thermal jackets
Gilets
Aerosuits
Baselayers
Socks
Caps
Arm and leg warmers
Some items will have a minimum order 5 per item, so don’t hesitate and add to your cart now!
Looking for junior kit?
Don’t worry, we are still pulling together the final range with MVMNT for our juniors. We expect the junior kit to be available in spring and at similar bargain prices as our adult kit.
Discount code
So you can look your best head to toe, we are offering a 10% discount when you purchase 3 or more items. Use the discount code Vikings_Bundle when putting your order in.
If you have any questions, email us at clothing@vikingscycling.org.au [...]
May 9, 2023NewsJim with his gold medal from the Track National Championships
Following his recent successes at the Track National Championships in April, Jim Veal has now been awarded the Vikings Group Champion Award!
The Vikings Group Champion Award is designed to celebrate individual athletes, teams and volunteers, associated with the Vikings Affiliated clubs. The Vikings Group selects a Vikings Champion Award recipient each month and the winner gets a cash prize of $500.
Jim has been a member of the club since 1999 and is a key volunteer of our junior track program out at the Narrabundah Velodrome. This includes running training each Saturday, organising and running the Monday Night Track races at the Velodrome. Jim also runs a junior race clinic for club juniors at Stromlo Forest Park each Thursday afternoon developing bike handling and racing skills.
Jim is a strong advocate for inclusiveness within cycling and plays an integral role in the Club’s community engagement. As a club based on volunteers, without Jim’s involvement we would not be in position to run the programs that we do. Jim is also on the Club’s Committee and regularly volunteers his time in supporting the club and it’s members.
He is a fantastic contributor to cycling development within the ACT and has provided great support to new and ongoing ACT cycling initiatives, especially in supporting increased junior involvement within the sport.
The Vikings Group said Jim was a standout from all the nominees! The club congratulates Jim on winning this award and thank him for his continued dedication to the club and ACT juniors.
Jim racing at the National Track Championships in April 2023 [...]
April 18, 2023NewsOur 2 Vikings National Champions – Jim Veal and Bailey Macdonald.
What an incredible week at the 2023 AusCycling Junior and Masters Track National Championships!
Held over 6 days in Brisbane from 11 April to 16 April 2023, our juniors and masters hit the boards and proved that the ACT really punches above our weight.
A highlight had to be the double gold medals for both Bailey Macdonald and Jim Veal, who has coached Bailey from his very first hit out on the track. It’s amazing that they are both now winning Gold and achieving national championship results at the same events.
ACT juniors
Junior Track National Champions
Notable highlights were:
Georgia Gardiner (CCC) last lap effort for under 17 individual pursuit gold.
Luke Rogers (CCC) application and progression through his first Nats, those Kierans were amazing.
Sara Buerger (VCC), Chloe Pratt (CCC) and Natasha Sitsky’s (CCC) resilience and drive to hang in there and get PBs and top 10s. Chloe Pratt (CCC) for digging in as well and producing the goods when it got tough for the team.
Emily Watch (VCC) for hitting it out against the 2nd years and getting the silver,
Our Pursuit and Sprint Bonze medals – congrats Sara B, Tash S, Emily W, Georgia, and Chloe P.
Bailey Macdonald (VCC) for destroying the field for the Scratch Race Gold.
Bailey Macdonald (VCC), Angus Withington (CCC) and Hayden Stevens (CCC) for beating Queensland in the hottest Team Sprint field ever!!
What a team! The medal tally was:
3 gold 🥇
3 silver 🥈
4 bronze🥉
Bailey Macdonald (VCC), Angus W (CCC) and Hayden Stevens (CCC)
Silver Women’s under 17 Sprint – Emily Watch (VCC)
Gold women’s under 17 Individual pursuit – Georgia Gardiner (CCC)
Gold Mens under 17 Scratch – Bailey Macdonald (VCC)
Silver Mens under 17 Scratch – Hayden Stevens (CCC)
Bronze Womens under 17 Team Pursuit – Georgia Gardiner (CCC), Sara Buerger (VCC), Chloe Pratt (CCC) and Natasha Sitsky (CCC)
Bronze Mens under 17 TT – Bailey Macdonald (VCC)
Bronze Mens under 17 Kieran – Bailey Macdonald (VCC)
Bronze Womens under 17 Team Sprint – Natasha Sitsky (CCC), Georgia Gardiner (CCC), Sara Buerger (VCC) and Emily Watch (VCC)
Silver Womens under 17 Points – Georgia Gardiner (CCC)
Gold Mens under 17 Team Sprint – Bailey Macdonald (VCC), Hayden Stevens (CCC) and Angus Withington (CCC)
Masters Track National Champions
Well what a week our ACT Masters have had! PBs were broken races were fought the boards were on fire but most importantly National Champions were crowned.
Jim Veal
National Champion 🥇 in the M10 Time Trial!2nd 🥈 in the M10 Individual pursuitNational Champion 🥇 in the M10 sprint
3rd 🥉 in the M10 keirin
Ryan Bates
2nd 🥈 in the M3 scratch2nd 🥈 in the M3 Individual Pursuit2nd 🥈 in the M3 ITT2nd 🥈 in the M3 points race
Ross Taylor
M1-2 Scratch race with a DNF4th in the M2 ITT6th in the M2 Individual Pursuit4th in the M2 keirin3rd 🥉 in the M2 sprint
Sarah Stevens
5th in WM1-3 Scratch race4th in the WM3 ITT4th in the WM3 keirinNational 🥇 in the WM3 Individual Pursuit3rd 🥉 in the WM1-4 Points race
Peta Brill
10th in WM5-7 Scratch.4th in the WM5 keirin5th in the WM5 sprint6th in the WM5 ITT5th in the WM5 Individual Pursuit3rd 🥉 in the WM5-7 points race
Alex Schaffer
2nd 🥈 in the M1 ITT3rd 🥉 in the M1 sprint
And a special mention to Roger Grierson (CCC):
2nd 🥈in the M1 Individual Pursuit2nd 🥈 in the M1-2 ScratchNational Champion 🥇 in the M1-3 points race
Well done to all of the ACT masters on a fantastic week of racing. [...]
April 7, 2023NewsJoin the Vikings team for this year’s AusCycling Club National eSports Series. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a place for you on our team.
Compete against riders from all over Australia in fun and challenging races. Perfect for those missing SuperCrits or hibernating over winter. Let’s conquer the virtual roads together!
Series will be conducting over 6 rounds from Thursday 20 April to Thursday 3 August 2023.
You must be an AusCycling member (Lifestyle membership or higher), and be 17 years or older to score points for the club. The key to success in this event is participants – while it’s great to have people scoring big points for winning a grade, we will do better as a club by having more finishers.
Email racesecretary@vikingscycling.org.au if you’re interested and we’ll contact you with all the info. [...]
March 4, 2023NewsHeading into the cooler months, we find it’s only the hardiest of cyclists motivated to get out in the mornings. So instead of running an autumn Novice Program, we are trying something different and have partnered with Coach Cheryl Hulskamp to run a skills squad.
We are holding an info session on Saturday 18 March at 4pm – find out more on Facebook!
This program will be held in two parts, starting in late March 2023. The squad is designed to help riders sharpen their skills, and we all know the better your skills, the faster you’ll be!
Depending on your experience, you can choose to do either one or both parts:
1️⃣ Skills consolidation – 3 sessions from late March
Covering bunch management, cornering skills and emergency braking
Suitable for those who are looking to improve their bunch riding
Also suitable for anyone who has completed the novice program and want to advance their skills further
Held on Tuesday 21 March, 28 March and 4 April
Starting from 6:00 am to 7:00 am from CIT Bruce
Costs $65
2️⃣ Skill enhancement – 3 sessions in May
Covering introduction to racing, pacelining and enhanced cornering
Suitable for those who have completed part 1 or ride regularly in bunches and want to further advance their skills
Also suitable for those who want to get into racing, or just perfect pacelining with the groups at Wasabi and the Norman!
Held on Tuesday 2, 9 and 16 May
Starting from 6:00 am to 7:00 am, location TBA
Costs $65
Or do part 1️⃣ and 2️⃣ for a combined cost of $120!
Why do the program?
Vikings squads are infamous for the supportive environment they create, while helping riders improve skills and fitness. Previous squads have helped riders achieve goals they never thought they could do before, such as Tour of Bright or Peaks Challenge. This squad will help you be the best wheel in the bunch!
Sign up here [...]
January 29, 2023NewsVikings and Canberra Cycling Clubs are excited to announce the 2023 Road Race calendar.
Alivio Tourist Park have helped keep our road races going and we are pleased to say they have signed on to be our sponsor for a second year running! Keep an eye out in our newsletter for the great deals they are offering our members.
There are also some exciting new changes to our race calendar for 2023. Firstly Uriarra Roubaix has evolved into the Hayman Classic, with Canberra Cycling Club’s stalwart Matt Hayman agreeing to lend his name to the new course and event.
Secondly, the Iron Mike classic is set to evolve into a 3 stage event. Over the June long weekend, the plan is for a short prologue Time Trial and a Criterium on Saturday, with the Iron Mike course road race on the Sunday.
The Canberra Junior Tour will also be back, with 3 stages over 2 days at the end of May.
See the 2023 Road Race calendar for full details and keep an eye out on our socials for when entries open.
Finally, we want to thank all our volunteers and club committee members that help run these races.
If you enjoy racing or joining our club rides, please look ahead in the calendar to see where you can help in 2023. In 2022, we received 161 volunteer nominations through our podio volunteer sign up form. This is in addition to the many volunteer hours that CCC and VCC committee members and coaches spend organising and running training, racing activities, social events, and other administrative tasks.
With the exception of paid traffic controllers, every role in our club is filled by a volunteer club or community member like you. By volunteering for your club you are directly helping yourself, your club mates, juniors, and the broader cycling community in the ACT.
In short, the club doesn’t run without volunteers. Thank you.
DateEventTypeSaturday 11 FebruaryUriarra Crossing to End of Bitumen – Twilight RaceRoadSaturday 25 FebruarySutton Driver Training CentreKermesse Saturday 18 MarchACT Crit Champs – Managed by AusCyclingCritSunday 16 AprilHayman Classic (Uriarra Roubaix – new course)RoadSunday 7 MayLookout Hill HandicapRoadSaturday 27 May to Sunday 28 MayCanberra Junior Tour – Managed by AusCyclingCrit/iTT/RoadSunday 4 JuneWinter Crit 1CritSaturday 10 JuneIron Mike (mini tour)RoadSunday 18 JuneWinter Crit 2CritSunday 25 JuneWinter Crit 3CritSunday 6 AugustiTT – UriarraiTTSaturday 26 AugustACT iTT Championships – Managed by AusCyclingiTTSunday 27 AugustACT Road Champs – Managed by AusCyclingRoadSaturday 28 OctoberCorin Classic (CCC Club Champs)RoadSunday 26 NovemberHoneysuckle Hammer (VCC Club Champs)RoadSaturday 9 DecemberClub Hill ClimbiTTFriday 22 DecemberTwilight Gravel (TBC)Gravel
Current at 29 January 2023, check details closer to event as schedule may change. [...]
January 22, 2023NewsYou’re invited to the launch of the 2023 Alivio Tourist Park road season on Saturday 28 January!
What better way to start the season off with a family-friendly, untimed participation gravel ride, starting at Alivio Tourist Park and taking in some great tracks through Bruce and O’Connor Ridges.
The party doesn’t stop there, after the ride VCC and CCC will jointly launch the 2023 Alivio Tourist Park road season at the Verandah bar and restaurant. Your $10 entry will get you a pizza buffet and use of the pool – so bring a towel!
We will also be announcing some of the cool stuff we’ve got planned for 2023, and hand out awards for our 2022 Alivio Tourist Park Road Season Points winners.
Enter now!
Details
Starting from Alivio Tourist Park
Check-in open from 5.30pm
Roll away at 6pm
All riders return to Alivio by 7pm
Pizza Buffet 7-8pm
Presentations Start 7.30pm
Cost $10
Route
These are suggested routes. The courses are not marked and other users will be in Bruce and O’Connor ridges. We suggest you get a few friends or family together and ride the route that works for you. Then come and have a bite and a drink at Alivio afterwards.
Gravel and Goat Tracks – 8.15km – Select Long Course when registering
Just the Gravel – 3.79km – Select Short Course when registering
What is included in the registration price?
Your $10 gets you:
Event Entry
Pizza Buffet
Pool usage
We ask that you buy your own drinks and other non-riding family or friends can come along by registering for the ‘Meal Only’. [...]
November 13, 2022NewsAre you interested in learning how to:
stop safely?corner like a Pro?climb better?descend safely and fast?sprint?
Vikings Cycling Club have organised a series of 3 master classes with accredited coach Cheryl Hulskamp. Perfect for those who have recently completed a Novice program or those looking to get a competitive edge by improving their skills.
The sessions are open for anyone with a road bike and held over three weekends:
Saturday 19 November 9.30am to 11.30am – Braking and cornering Saturday 3 December 9.30am to 11.30am – Climbing and descendingSaturday 10 December 9.30am to 11.30am – Pacelines and sprinting
All three sessions will cost $65 and will be held centrally in Canberra.
If you are interested, apply here by Tuesday 15 November 2022. [...]