Cyclesport Victoria

Cycling Facilities Master Plan set to advance cycling in Victoria

Cycling Victoria is one of six state sport associations that will be focusing on planning better community facilities in coming months.

The Cycling Victoria project is focused on delivering a Cycling Facilities Master Plan which will assist Cycling Victoria, our clubs, and local government to improve the planning and maintenance of facilities, increase participation in cycling sports, improve relationships between stakeholders and provide larger more sustainable clubs.  It will also aid local governments and decision making bodies when engaging with cycling for the planning and development of appropriate infrastructure. 

The plan will provide a framework for cycling facilities that are needed to advance cycling in Victoria. The plan will give key consideration to what facilities currently exist, where they are located, where the growth areas for cycling as a sport are (both demographically and competitively), where facilities are redundant and recommend a hierarchy of future facility provision.

In making the announcement, Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said the funding, through the Community Facility Funding Program, would help a number of State Sporting Associations undertake state-wide community sports facility planning.

“A key objective of the Coalition Government is to help increase participation in sport and recreation, and having quality community facilities in the right places is a key factor,” Mr Delahunty said.  “SSAs are central to helping us achieve this goal through the development of strategic facility planning."

Cycling Victoria would like to thank Sport and Recreation Victoria and the Minister for their support of this important project, and look forward to working toward better facilities planning for cycling.

Ride for a reason with Cancer Council Victoria at the Whittlesea Challenge

Cancer Council Victoria, charity partner to the Cycling Victoria Netti Challenge Series, is aiming to break their record amount raised last year of $37,650.  Todd Harper, CEO of Cancer Council Victoria and team captain of Yellow Edge, is eager to reach target once more.  ‘It would be wonderful if we could exceed last year’s goal and I am confident it can be done.” 

Cancer Council Victoria became the official charity partner of the Cycling Victoria Netti Challenge series at the start of 2012. Riders are given the opportunity at each event to make a donation or sign up with the Cancer Council and fundraise themselves. “Whilst the challenge rides can be tough” Todd acknowledged, “a cancer diagnosis is tougher for the individual and their family, so I can’t thank those helping to raise funds enough”. 

A self-confessed cycling enthusiast Todd Harper is team captain of the official Cancer Council cycling team, Yellow Edge. The team is made up of staff, their friends and supporters of Cancer Council. Participating in every ride, the team raises funds and helps spread the message on the importance of the Cancer Council’s research, support and prevention programs. 

Cancer Council Victoria provides services for the one in two who will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. “The work that we do is vital and it is wonderful to see the positive results that the Cancer Council can make on someone’s life…no one should battle cancer alone and we [Cancer Council] strive to ensure no one has too” Mr Harper stated. Cancer Council Victoria welcomes any riders into their team and anyone who would like to fundraise themselves. 

If you would like to make a donation to the Yellow Edge team please click on the link HERE

Bicycle Mechanics Training Opportunity

Are you interested in obtaining a formal qualification as a bicycle mechanic? If you are, then we have the ideal opportunity for you. And at a heavily discounted rate. But you'll need to be quick!

Outline of the proposed program:

Target group:  existing or new employees, working full or part time, seeking a bicycle mechanic qualification. Participants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or humanitarian refugees.

Qualification:  Certificate lll in Bicycle Workshop Operations, formerly Certificate lll in Bicycles.  This is the trade qualification for bicycle mechanics.

Delivery:  Existing bicycle mechanics will have the opportunity to have their skills assessed through a recognition of prior learning (RPL) process.  Identified skill gaps and training will be targeted to fill these gaps. Training will be a combination of online and face to face sessions.  The time taken to complete the qualification will depend on the skill level of the participant.  Trainees with no experience will take approximately 2 years.

Enterprise Contribution:  Two thirds of the funding for the training is met by the Commonwealth through the National Workforce Development Fund.  Participating enterprises will have to contribute $2000 which can be met by the employer, the participant or a combination of both.  Employers may be eligible for $3000 to $4000 in incentive payments, depending on the state.

Training to commence in the second half of 2013.

Please contact Alan Mok as soon as possible at Cycling Victoria on (03) 8480 3077 for more details if you are interested. 

All expressions of interest to be submitted by 20 May 2013.

Saturday Night Track Racing a Big Hit!

On Saturday the first of 2013 Winter Track Series lit up the boards of DISC with 54 competitors, and almost as many spectators, enjoying track racing like it used to be.  A to D-grade plus a women's grade meant there was a level of racing to suit everyone, and with Sprint Derbies on the program, it meant lots of racing with multiple heats and finals.

The series has been designed to give those hardcore and emerging A-grade 'trackies' regular winter racing as well as being a great bridge for those newer to the sport to get used to open-style track racing.  With a junior world champion in attendance (Zac Shaw) as well a number of emerging talents (Ross, Castles) and top-teir under-17 riders (Koroknai, Ramshaw, Ellul) the racing was of a high calibre at the pointy-end and just as competitive down through the grades.  The format meant the wins were shared around but Shaw showed the two-week training camp he'd just completed had done him no harm.  The maximum gear restriction for the seniors of 92.6" added to the close racing that bought tactics far more into play - especially in the sprint derbies.

Special thanks to Sam McGregor, Adriana Abels, Tegan Wolfport, David Morgan, Brett Curran, Andrew Fitzgerald, Marie Manskie, Dale Fitzgerald and all other volunteers who helped make the night such a success.

The next round of the Winter Track Series is schedule for 15th June and will feature a round-robin keirin series as well as racing for track enduros as well.  Be sure to get your entry in prior to the event using the Cycling Victoria online entry system.

Next Stop - Whittlesea Challenge - June 2nd

Attention is quickly turning to the 2013 Whittlesea Challenge – the third event in the 2013 Challenge Series.

June 2nd will see cyclists of all fitness levels escape the traffic and enjoy quiet roads, picturesque scenery and country charm around Whittlesea. 

The 110km course takes riders through Humevale, Kinglake West, Strath Creek & Broadford. The quiet country roads and picturesque scenery will make the stress of Melbourne traffic seem a million miles away.   The course contains testing climbs at Humevale and Strath Creek which will put even intermediate to advanced level riders in the 'hurtbox'.

 

110km Map & Profile

In addition there is a 68 km option which includes undulating terrain and breathtaking views across the Kinglake National Park. This ride is suitable for beginner to intermediate level cyclists.

 

68km Map & Profile

 

The roads surrounding Whittlesea have long been popular with cyclists of all abilities. So why not take the challenge, escape the city air for a few hours, and enjoy yourself...

 

We also have a number of offers involving the Whittlesea Challenge. See details below...
 

JERSEY OFFER

Anyone who wears any 2013 Challenge Series or Challenge Series Event Jersey whilst riding the 2013 Whittlesea Challenge on Sunday 2 June will go in the draw for a Prize Pack worth $200.

So get in quick and purchase your Whittlesea Challenge event jersey to make sure you are in with a chance. 

 

There is also limited stock available for other 2013 Challenge Series jerseys - please contact vic.events@cycling.org.au or the office on 03 8480 3000 if you are interested in purchasing one!

 

SPECIAL DISCOUNTED ENTRY OFFER

Register on 11 & 12 May for the 2013 Whittlesea Challenge and you'll receive 10% off your registration fee.

Simply enter the code SPECIALOFFER when prompted to receive this discount.

 

 

Day 1: Austcycle Skills - Saturday June 15

Cycling Victoria is pleased to announce the running of the first day AustCycle Skills of the new AustCycle Skills and Road and Track Coaching, scheduled for the 15th of June.  Cycling Victoria will run day 1 of the new course then, and later in July we will run day 2.

Please click HERE to view the new course pathway.

The AustCycle Skills course covers basic bike safety principles and bike handling skills in a traffic free environment. It is appropriate for complete beginners and includes a variety of skills and activities to progress riders’ cycling skill and confidence. The course does not specifically teach road awareness and safety (although some cycling skills relevant to riding on the road and basic traffic rules may be explained). At completion of the course participants should be able to demonstrate good bicycle control course

For more information regarding the course please click HERE.

Cycling Victoria has received funding from Sport and Recreational Victoria.  Therefore we are offering the first course at a reduced cost and there is a limit of 12 participants. To apply for the courses please apply via the application form HERE.

For the course there are some pre reading that need to be completed before the course. The links to the pre readings will be provide once you have enrolled into the course.

The details of the course are:
Date: 15th of June 2013
Location: DISC, 281 Darebin Road Thornbury.
Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Cost: $50

Please note that morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

For more information and bookings please contact Alan Mok on (03) 8480 3077 or alan.mok@cycling.org.au. Positions are strictly limited.

Level 1 Coaching Course: June 29-30

Cycling Victoria (CV) is pleased to announce the running of a Level One coaching course.

The two-day coaching course will be presented by Donna Rae-Szalinski, formerly an international cyclist, a VIS Coach and has been responsible for establishing the VIS Women's Cycling program.
The Level 1 coaching course is for the coach who assists club and state level cyclists to develop their fitness and hone their racing skills. This course addresses basic fitness, skill development, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and an understanding of drugs in sport

•    Venue: DISC – Upstairs Function Room, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
•    Date: 29th  and 30th of June
•    Time:8:30am-6pm
•    Cost: $380

To attend the Level One Coaching Course, you must have successfully completed the CycleSkill Course or the new Road and Track Skills course.  If you require more information regarding the level one coaching course please click here.

Please fill out the application form below and send it to Alan Mok at Cycling Victoria via:

Email: alan.mok@cycling.org.au or
Fax: (03) 8480 3099 or
Post: PO Box 180 Fairfield, 3078

Please contact Alan Mok on (03) 8480 3077 or via email at alan.mok@cycling.org.au if you have any questions.

Positions strictly limited.

A Taste of Women's Cycling This Winter: Chilled Tapas

The days are getting shorter, the air is cooler, and the arm warmers have been dug out of the designated 'winter cycling drawer'. The last of the summer crits have all wrapped up.

How do you stay motivated and on your bike this winter?

Cycling Victoria is pleased to launch a series of women's clinics entitled the 'The Chilled Tapas'.   The 'tapas' allow you to get a taste of each winter cycling discipline before you fully commit yourself. It is the perfect way to find your most preferred way of cycling through winter while picking up essential skills and tips from our expert coaches.

  Plate 1: The ‘Cross (cyclo-cross)

Hosted by the crew from Dirty Deeds CX, this session allows you to pick up some of the essential skills required for Cyclo-cross racing, one of the most enjoyable things to do on a wet muddy winter day! Bring your own ‘off-road’ bike.

Where: Brunswick Velodrome
When: Sunday May 12, 11am
Note: This session is FREE!

Click here to download the registration form.

 Plate 2: The Classics (handicapped road cycling)

The Classics are a series of races in Victoria that are predominantly run in the handicap racing format. Handicap races are all-in events where everyone, in theory, has the chance to win. They are exciting events and always guarantee a great workout. We will show you the best strategies for racing a handicap, as well as the key skills that are essential for this race format.

Where: Albert Park Lake
When: Sunday May 19, 10am

Click here to download the registration form.

 Plate 3: The Ergo (indoor training)

When the weather is truly awful, an indoor stationary bike session is a good way to stay motivated in the depths of winter. So too are riding the rollers, but how do you do that exactly? We will teach you how to ride the rollers, help you with designing some fun ergo sessions for yourself and show you how to join in the growing group ergo session movement.

Where: DISC, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
When: Friday June 14, 6pm

Click here to download the registration form.

 Plate 4: The Track (velodrome)

The penultimate chilled tapas session incorporates the famous come 'n' try the track sessions held at DISC. We will supply you with a track bike and give you all the expert advice on how to master the velodrome, which is used all throughout winter and is the ultimate way to escape the lousy weather.

Where: DISC, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
When: Sunday 26^th May, 3pm

 Click here to download the registration form.

  Plate 5: The VRS (road cycling)

This session brings you up to speed on the Victorian Road Series and includes advice on how to prepare for each event, race strategy, climbing and descending techniques and will answer key winter racing questions, such as how much clothing to wear for a race, etc.

Where: Kew Boulevard
When: Saturday June 1st, 10am

Click here to download the registration form.

Contact:

Saturday Night Winter Track is back in 2013

In years past, Saturday night meant track racing; full-house signs went up at the Essendon board track or Olympic Park.  While things have changed since those halcyon days, 2013 marks the return of regular Saturday night track racing.  Following the success of last year’s DISC-O Track series comes five Saturday Nights – one per month – from May to September offering racing perfect for those developing in the sport, those wanting to keep their track legs ticking over in winter and those that want to race out of the wind and rain at least once a month.

The first event is on Saturday, 11th May 2013.  Racing starts 4:30pm / Rego from 3.30pm with track open for warm-up from 4pm.  Online entries here plus entries on the day accepted for a $5 premium.

The Saturday night Winter Track Series will include a mix of sprint and endurance racing in a graded format for under-17 riders and above (elite, masters, U19 – men and women).  The lower grades will be well suited to those looking to develop their track experience, while A & B grade will offer fast racing for the more experienced riders.

All riders to get a minimum of four races per event.  There will be nightly aggregate prize money for each grade, plus a season long aggregate with generous prize money on offer.

More information can be found here or call or email Event Director Daryl Perkins, Email: dpframes@yahoo.com / 0418 531 218.