News Shorts - 24 July

TOUR DE BELLO

Tour de Bello reservations close at the end of July, so don't miss out on your spot. This is a fantastic 4 day training camp in the Coffs Harbour region hosted by Alex Simmons (BiciSport). 

Women's Rapha 100 @ Wollombi @ 23 July - Kirsty Flanagan & Ruth Strapp took part representing BiciSport  

Women's Rapha 100 - Kirsty Flanagan outside Wollombi

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  RAW Track @ 21 July - Good results by Graham Cockerton, David Browne & Stephanie Cockerton

*  Derny Restoration Project - John Crouchley recently track tested the rebuilt 4 stoke engined derny at DGV. The test was successful save for the need to now lower the derny gearing for the steep DGV banking. 

*  BiciSport in Flanders - Peter Livingstone continues his racing secondment with the ASFRA Racing Team. Peter gained selection to the ASFRA Interclub team after good results (9th) at the Landskouter kermesse on 23 July. The updated racing blog is in this News section below. 

RACING THIS WEEK

*  28 July - RAW Track @ DGV

*  25-29 July - Melbourne Cup on Wheels (DISC Velodrome, Melbourne)

*  26-30 July - Tour of the Great South Coast (NRS - Warnambool)

*  30 July - Wagga to Albury Handicap (Tolland CC), Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  29 July - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  No DGV Track training with John Crouchley until early August

FLANDERS 17 WITH PETER LIVINGSTONE

Roubaix 17 - For Peter Livingstone conditions were wet & greasy for a visit to the Roubaix Velodrome in between Belgian kermesse racing with ASFRA.

News Shorts - 17 July

TOUR DE BELLO

Tour de Bello reservations close at the end of July, so don't miss out on your spot. This is a fantastic 4 day training camp in the Coffs Harbour region hosted by Alex Simmons (BiciSport). 

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  BiciSport in Flanders - Peter Livingstone continues his racing secondment with the ASFRA Racing Team. The updated racing blog is in this News section below. 

*  Cervelo Masters Series @ Western Sydney Dragway @ 15 July - Division 1 - Matt Coy finished 6th. Division 2 - Anthony Colantonio also finished 6th

Cervelo Masters 17 - Anthony Colantonio on the Division 2 podium for 6th

RACING THIS WEEK

*  21 July - RAW Track @ DGV

*  22 July - Victorian ITT Series (Leongatha), Calga Handicap (Central Coast)

*  23 July - Heffron Park (Waratah Masters), Ken Dinnerville Handicap (Illawarra). At the upcoming Dinnerville at Dapto best wishes to BiciSport starters Jeremy Hopson, Conor Tarlington, Stewart Campbell, Raoul Westbrook, Matt Coy, Dean Gale, Mike Forster, Simon Lempriere & James Thornton

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  22 July - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

FLANDERS 17 WITH PETER LIVINGSTONE

Diksmuide 17 - Koen Verhulst, Peter Livingstone & Lies Verhulst before the Diksmuide Kermesse. The Verhulst family have actively supported several BiciSport riders in Flanders over the years. 

Flanders 17 with Peter Livingstone

Tour of East Flanders 17 - Peter Livingstone & Oskari Vainionpaa (Finland) after the Stage 2 finish in Adegem.   

FLANDERS 17 DIARY

*  16-20 August - Tour of East Flanders (Ronde van Oost Vlaanderen)  www.rvov.be 

The lasr race for Flanders 17.  The Tour of East Flanders is for Under 23 only Belgian registered teams with 180 starters and 27 teams. The ASFRA-Flanders team started with seven riders but only three remained for Stage 3 - Peter Livingstone (Australia), Oskari Vainionpaa (Finland), Mathias Overberghe (Belgium), Marc Heaney (Ireland), Dylan Vercruysse (Belgium), Casper De Witte (Belgium) & Jack English (United Kingdom). Stage 4 started/finished just 300m from the Kokerelle B&B in Maarkedal   

Stage 5 - 20 August (Herzele - Zottegem) 155k - 124 starters - The final stage included one (large) single lap around Geraadsbergen with several local laps at Herzele. 40 riders were not classified as finishing and that included Peter. Oskari was the only classified Flanders team RVOV 17 finisher.  

Stage 4 - 19 August (Kokerelle - Oudenaarde) 156k - 139 starters @ 41kph  

Tour of East Flanders 17 Stage 4 - Something of a 'Queen' stage of this Tour being based in the heart of Tour of Flanders pro classic country. The 156k circuit had three bigger laps followed by three smaller laps that included climbing the Taainberg three times albeit by an (alternative) steep concrete laneway. Peter survived two punctures and a road blockage caused by a major crash on the Steenbeekdries cobbles involving 10 riders. Considering the challenges on the day Peter (pictured above coming off the Taainberg with 20k to the finish) again performed well to finish just 35 seconds behind the stage winner on what was another tough day.    

Stage 3 - 18 August (Hassdonk - Antwerp) 155k - 144 starters @ 43kph

Tour of East Flanders 17 Stage 3 - The Lotto Soudal U23 team continued to dominant the East Flanders Tour and went 1-2 today in a 19 rider breakaway just 21 seconds off the front of the peloton. The stage was five (large) laps that included the nasty Beveren cobbles (1.3k in length) each lap. Peter (above in Flanders team red in centre of shot) finished comfortably in the peloton.    

Tour of East Flanders 17 Stage 3 - Eddy Verbust congratulates Peter after the finish of stage 3 at Hassdonk. Eddy V is a major organiser with the Ghent 6 Day track event in November and has been a strong supporter of BiciSport riders in Belgium over the years. 

Stage 2 - 17 August (Adegem - Bruges) 148k - 160 starters @ 42.6kph

Tour of East Flanders 17 Stage 2 - Peter passes through the finishing straight on lap 3 at Adegem with the rain coming down. The course was generally on narrow one lane paths around the outskirts of the Ursel Air Force Base. Conditions were simply awful being greasy, dangerous & wet which guaranteed numerous crashes with the roads literally awash with cow shit (it was everywhere). Peter was another excellent peloton finish just 19 seconds behind the breakaway winner for 74th. The Flanders team lost another rider retired today & another was lucky (?) to be classified as a finisher (not sure how the Commissaires reach that decision when the rider most certainly pulled out with over 20k to go). The Flanders team would start Stage 3 with just three riders and 16 riders retired on the stage today. The Belgian support team of Eddy Verbust & Freddy Verleyem (in grey jacket above) came to see Peter in the difficult conditions.      

Tour of East Flanders 17 Stage 2 - this is what 150k of full gas racing along tiny Flemish laneways covered in cow shit looks like.   

Stage 1 - 16 August (Bavegem - Zottegem) 150k - 180 starters @ 44.5kph

Tour of East Flanders 17 Stage 1 - 180 starters across 27 teams over 150k meant the first hour was utterly chaotic. There were narrow concrete roads, numerous bits of road furniture, stress levels off the scale, 5 major crashes and an average speed of 45+ kph. Peter (in red Flanders jersey above in centre of shot) finished 80th safely in the peloton in a dangerous bunch kick. Peter was the only Flanders team rider to finish in the peloton and for the rest it was carnage. Except for Peter the Flanders team had a totally forgettable day with three non finishers and it would have been a fourth save for some supportive commissaires.          

*  15 August - Temse-Velle (East Flanders) - 120k

Temse-Velle 17 - BiciSport attended the Temse-Velle kermesse race organised by Maarten Ver Hulst (a long time BiciSport supporter). The star attraction on the day was current Belgian road champion Stijn De Bock riding for the Cibel Continental Team. 

Temse-Velle 17 - The Ver Hulst family hosted the local street party with a caravan style coffee kart as the peloton screams past. Business was brisk.  

Temse-Velle 17 - a famous couple stopped by for a casual coffee at the Velle street party hosted by the Ver Hulst family ... none other than Ronald & Bernadette Van Avermaet (parents of the Olympic Champion Greg Van Avermaet). Both were outstanding competitive cyclists in their own right and Ronald represented Belgium at the 1980 Olympic Games. 

*  12 August - Beveren (West Flanders) - 114k - 61 starters @ 45.6kph

Beveren 17 - A super fast & difficult kermesse with some light showers to complicate the effort. A near crash on lap 1 had Peter at the back of the peloton as the break of the day escaped, and escaped they remained. Peter attacked all day and finally finished an excellent 21st from 61 starters. This was the last of the Belgian single day kermesses with just the Tour of East Flanders to come. Peter (in light blue jersey above) passes in front of a Belgian bridal bus as the wedding party is about to depart the Beveren church.   

Beveren 17 - The kermesse race having just departed its now the brides turn to exit the Beveren church

*  11 August - Lokeren (East Flanders) - 120k - 124 starters @ 45kph

Lokeren 17 - The penultimate Belgian kermesse of this Flanders trip over 120k at Lokeren had a quality peloton of 124 starters with numerous international riders. The Asfra-Flanders Cycles team leader (Yiber Sefa from Albania) took a great win from the break of the day and Peter (above) finished strongly in the peloton only 38 seconds behind the winner.   

*  9 August - Beernem (West Flanders) 112k - 117 starters @ 45.2kph

Beernam 17 - The Beernam peloton with Peter third wheel chasing the small breakaway that contained "Rambo" Nico Eeckhout (Rambo eventually finished second). Peter cruised the day & finished in the peloton

Beernam 17 - Peter van der Livingstone # 91 has caught the eyes of the Flemish bookmakers !. Peter's original betting odds were 41.12 - being odds of 41 to 1 for the win and 12 to 1 for a podium place. Mike O'Reilly placed 10 euro on a podium result. The bookie having accepted the wager then immediately changed Peter's odds to 30.0 .... no more podium bets were then accepted. 

Beernam 17 - Belgian bookmakers in action at the Beernam kermesse. What price for Peter van der Livingstone at the next Flemish kermesse ?

*  7 August - Rumbeke (West Flanders) 110k - 46 starters @ 41kph

Rumbeke 17 - A typical Belgian 'urban' kermesse (more like a criterium) through the local streets of Rumbeke (24 laps of 4.6k). Peter (light blue jersey above) was prominent all day and got in the break of the day and things looked very promising for a top 5 result ... then 5 riders slipped off the front. The final outcome was the best result to date with a fine 7th but the day promised an even higher result.   

*  5 August - Overijse (Brussels) 110k - 89 starters @ 41kph

Overijse 17 - Overijse is on the outskirts of Brussels and is the region used for the Brabant Pijl professional semi classic in mid April. This kermesse circuit was hilly and included a 400m long "berg" that Peter used 39x26 on each of the 13 laps. Lets not forget the mandatory cobbles and one cobbled section was on a descent. Peter was prominent all day in numerous moves off the front of the peloton and finished an excellent 12th. The kermesse started outside the In De Kroeg café (Peter on left of shot, light blue & black helmet).  

*  4 August - Zelzate (East Flanders) 108k - 84 starters @ 42kph

Zelzate 17 - The peloton split after 45k and Peter (in blue) made the front group. What looked like a very promising move faded when some teams stopped working and the front group grew to 35 in number as small groups bridged across. In the final bunch kick Peter finished 18th.

*  3 August - Oostkamp (West Flanders) 100k - 112 starters @ 45kph

Oostkamp 17 - A twilight kermesse starting at 6.30pm over 100k of a 5.6k "figure eight" circuit passing the rustic old Oostkamp Town Hall twice each lap (in picture above). Peter (above in Mobius blue) combined well with Mobius team mate Aaron Bicknell for another solid performance. Aaron went top 20 just off the front of the main peloton. "Rambo" Nico Eeckhout was also sighted again in the Oostkamp peloton still looking for his Belgian social security pension cheque.     

*  1 August - Deerlijk (West Flanders) 112k - 88 starters @ 46.5kph  

Deerlijk 17 - A fast kermesse with an average speed of 46.5kph had long straights & few corners combined to ensure a complete bunch kick - Peter combined with Mobius team mate Aaron Bicknell (in Mobius blue above) who both finished in the top 40. The notable "retiree ride" of the day was the only Masters in the peloton wearing all black with no sponsorship ... a certain # 55 ... none other than 46 years young "Rambo" Nico Eeckhout who rode in the professional peloton from 1996-2013 for numerous professional teams including Lotto, Palmans & TopSport Vlaanderen. Nico won the Flanders Championship (4 times), the Dwars Vlaanderen semi Classic (twice) and the 2006 Belgian National Professional Road Championship (defeating a young and soon to be famous Tom Boonen in the process).     

*  26-30 July - Tour of Flemish Brabant www.rondevanvlaamsebrabant.be

The Flemish Brabant Tour is for 25 Belgian (only) registered teams. 

Stage 1 - 26 July (Hakendover) 147k (16.4k @ 9 laps) - The circuit was a mixture of very narrow farm lanes and dual concrete pavements which included the Landenberg cobbled climb each lap. The finish was in a narrow lane in the centre of Hakendover. Peter rode well for a solid peloton finish of 94th @ 1min 46secs. All six ASFRA riders finished in the main peloton.

Brabant 17 (Stage 1) - Peter Livingstone (4th in line) climbs the Landenberg cobbles

Brabant 17 (Stage 1) - The ASFRA Racing Team prepares for stage 1 of the Flemish Brabant Tour

Stage 2 - 27 July (Leefdaal) 9k Individual Time Trial. This 9k ITT was more of a mobile rest day for the vast majority and totally meaningless when placed in context of what is to follow over the next three days. Peter finished 125th @ 2min 6secs.

Stage 3 - 28 July (Leefdaal) 153k (25.0k @ 6 laps) 

Brabant 17 (Stage 3) - The main peloton climbs the Everberg climb with Peter in red on right of shot. Across the top of a smoothe Everberg climb was then rewarded with a nasty trench of Belgian cobbles for 1.3k. Peter finished 74th from 125 finishers @ 2min 59 seconds

Stage 4 - 29 July (Landen) 140k (17.5k @ 8 laps) 

Brabant 17 (Stage 4) - the peloton goes over the top of the Landenberg climb in heavy crosswinds (Peter in red on left of shot). The peloton split & then reformed numerous times in what was a gruelling day. Peter finished 113th on the stage @ 6min 10 seconds.  

Stage 5 - 30 July (Rillaar) 154k (40.0k @ 2 laps, 12.0k @ 6 laps)

Brabant 17 (Stage 5) - at the top of the Brabant KOM somewhere in the back blocks of Flemish Brabant with Peter sitting in the main peloton. Peter went on to finish 92nd on the stage @ 2min 36 secs. Overall Peter finished 75th from 125 starters @ 14min 13 secs. By any measure a great result for a first up Belgian tour.

*  24 July - Grand Prix Raf Jonckheere (Westrozebeke West Flanders) - 164k - 100 starters. Peter gained selection to his first ASFRA Interclub team for the GP Raf Jonckheere and this was a real step up with several professional teams in attendance in the 100 rider peloton. Weather conditions were poor with heavy rain and nasty crosswinds for 16 laps of a rectangular circuit. It was gutter grovelling and crosswind misery at its worst with ASFRA picking up 3 punctures.   

Westrozebeke 17 - Flanders Cycles-ASFRA team before the start with the rain about to arrive that made for a wet, greasy and somewhat miserable Grand Prix Raf Jonckheere

Westrozebeke 17 - The Belgian "Interclub" series are selection only races and the calibre of the peloton is significantly higher than a more traditional Belgian Kermesse peloton (where anybody with a UCI Elite licence can enter). The Roubaix Lille Metropole team arrived in force. 

*  23 July - Landskouter Kermesse (East Flanders) - 89 starters - Peter finishes 9th

A good sized peloton of 89 faced 12 laps (of 9.3k) up the slight climb of the Rooberg each lap. Peter covered the moves that mattered and looked comfortable all day. A great result to crack the top 10.

Landskouter 17 - Peter Livingstone (in Mobius blue) leads the peloton on the early laps

Landskouter 17 - Peter crosses the line for 9th from 89 starters on the Rooberg in the village of Landskouter

 *  22 July - Sinaai Kermesse U23 only (East Flanders) - 38 starters. Sinaai was named after Mount Sinai in Egypt and that was about it save for light rain and two long & filthy stretches of greasy Belgian cobbles. A smaller peloton was due to being Under 23 only.     

Sinaai 17 - Peter Livingstone (Mobius light blue on left of shot) at the Sinaai start line for the Under 23 only kermesse over 115k. Light drizzle and greasy corners made for very tricky conditions especially on the cobbles. Peter crashed on the first lap (not serious) but in the process bent a rear derailleur for a DNF.

*  21 July - Lebbeke Kermesse (East Flanders) - 70 starters @ 42.5kph. The Lebbeke claim to fame is the Callebaut chocolate factory. The 114k kermesse was over 16 laps of 7.0k per lap with very technical single lane corners. Lebbeke itself was more about the Under 23 Sinaai kermesse the next day.  

Lebbeke 17 - Peter Livingstone (in red) punches out of the first corner at Lebbeke

*  19 July - Deinze Kermesse (East Flanders) - 126 starters @ 45.6kph. Deinze is not famous for much except a 9 year war in 1695, the start of the Ghent Wevelgem pro classic and the Team Sky Service Course. 

Deinze 17 - The only time for Peter Livingstone (red jersey black helmet) to pass the Deinze Church as a puncture after just 4k ended the day before it even started.

*  16 July -  Diksmuide Kermesse (West Flanders) - 144 starters @ 44kph. Diksmuide was very much a front line town in World War 1 and the 117k kermesse renewed hostilities over 16 laps of 7.3k.  A massive peloton of 144 starters greeted the off with numerous corners, bumpy roads, crosswinds, traffic furniture & gutter grovelling the order of the day. Peter got into the first break of the day and went to a 25 second lead but this was taken back almost immediately. Another break went after 55k and stayed away. Peter was a peloton finish in a tough kermesse with just 70 finishers.

Diksmuide 17 - Peter Livingstone (red jersey) in the early breakaway

Diksmuide 17 - 144 starters made for a very busy first corner

Diksmuide 17 - last years winner (for some reason) received yet more flowers before the start of this years Diksmuide Kermesse in front of a totally disinterested peloton. Peter is in red on right of shot. 

Diksmuide 17 - Bookmakers ran a comprehensive book on the peloton at the Diksmuide Kermesse.

Diksmuide 17 - World War 1 monument in Diksmuide in respect of the fallen

*  13 July - Gistel Kermesse (West Flanders) - 75 starters @ 45.5 kph - Gistel is the home of Belgian cycling legend Johan Museeuw and is out on the coast near Ostend. It was a heavily urbanised circuit over 118k with numerous corners, speed bumps and road furniture (if you can imagine racing around Lane Cove, Chatswood or Artarmon it'll give you some idea as the pictures indicate). Peter broke away on lap 1 and was joined by the winning break. A mishap on a corner on lap 2 relegated him to the main peloton and that was the way it finished. All in all a great first taste of top class Belgian kermesse racing. Next race is in Diksmuide in West Flanders.

Gistel 17 - Peter (second in line) in the main peloton chasing the breakaway on lap 3. The circuit was highly urbanised and you can't help but be astounded as to where these Belgies actually run a bike race

Gistel 17 - Peter attacked solo on lap 1, only to be joined by the winning break of the day on the next lap

Gistel 17 - Peloton rolls through the start line with Peter (in Flanders red) well to the fore

Gistel 17 - Peter Livingstone in warm up mode in mild conditions

*  11-12 July - Settled into the Kokerelle B&B (www.kokerelle.be) at the base of the Eikenberg cobbled climb just outside Oudenaarde. A quick visit to Flanders Cycles to collect the new ASFRA team kit & chat with Luc Assez (ASFRA Sports Director) plus a light pedal around Oudenaarde, Kortekeer, Patersberg, Kwaremont, Kluisbergen & finally home past the Koppenberg

Flanders Cycles, ASFRA RACING TEAM & oudenaarde

                 Peter Livingstone at the Kokerelle B & B at Maarke Kerkem near the Eikenberg climb

                                  ASFRA Racing Team is based out of Flanders Cycles in Oudenaarde

                      Oudenaarde on the Schelde River is an ideal setting for a Flanders racing experience

News Shorts - 10 July

Nowra 17 - 150+ team took an outstanding Gold in the TTT Championship with Mike Foster, Matt Coy, Giovanni Pilu & Simon Lempriere

Nowra 17 - Masters 150+ State Champions with Simon Lempriere, Matt Coy, Mike Foster & Giovanni Pilu

BICISPORT NOWRA TTT EDITION - 150+ take GOLD

*  The highlight of a team focused season is the Nowra TTT Championship with good event organisation and a team friendly TTT circuit. BiciSport fielded 6 teams and if it wasn't for a spate of injuries leading up to the Championships we could have easily have fielded 8 or 9 teams.

BiciSport finished 9th (from 24 clubs) in the NSW TTT Teams Pointscore (this excludes the Sassfras Challenge results) and picked up a well deserved Gold medal in the Masters 150+ team led by Giovanni Pilu. A big thankyou to the team sponsors that made it happen (Anytime Fitness & Oakwood Lifestyle Advisers & Piemonte Cafe), numerous supporters like Anchor Bay Motel and the Greenwell Point Café at Greenwell Point plus the BiciSport team managers - John Crouchley, Cleo Higgins, Michael Haughey, Alex Simmons, Noel La Rose, Peter Davis & Jock Young. 

*  Sassafras Challenge @ Nowra @ 9 July - Division 1 - Conor Tarlington finished 33rd in peloton. Division 3 - Anthony Colantonio 11th & Lachlan Haughey 13th (both a peloton finish).

Nowra 17 - the Friday training ride before the Championship at the Nowra Airport

Nowra 17 - Sassafras Challenge Womens Team of Amber Walsh, Ruth Strapp, Angela Smith & Su Preeto finished an excellent third

Nowra 17 - Sassafras Challenge Womens Team on the start line

Nowra 17 - Sassafras Challenge Elite Team of Will Peters, Lachlan Haughey, Conor Tarlington & Peter O'Sullivan finished an excellent second

Nowra 17 - Sassafras Challenge Elite Team on the TTT podium

Nowra 17 - Masters 150+ with Michael O'Brien, Anthony Colantonio, Stewart Campbell & Peter Verhoeven

Nowra 17 - 150 + team led by the Stewart Campbell express headed for Nowra Airport. The team finished 6th

Nowra 17 - Masters 150+ with Graeme Cockerton, Dominic Zumbo, John Crouchley, Tom Green & James Thornton finished 13th from 27 teams

Nowra 17 - Masters 180+ with Raoul Westbrook, Brett Tarlington, Graeme Cocks & Ian Grainger finished 6th

Nowra 17 - Sunday morning after the Saturday Nowra TTT was the 50k team run out to Curranbong Beach

Sassafras 17 - Conor Tarlington (BiciSport Rauland) finished 33rd in Division 1 in Nowra Sassafras

OAKWOOD LIFESTYLE ADVISERS HAVE MOVED to BELROSE

*  Brett Tarlington and the Oakwood Lifestyle Advisers team have moved premises to Office 4, Narabang Way, Belrose (off Forest Way, near Mona Vale Rd). Same emails, same phone numbers.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  13-16 July - Velothon CycloSportive (Qld)

*  13 July - Peter Livingstone in Belgium

*  14 July - RAW Track @ DGV

*  15 July - Cervelo Masters Round 2 (Western Sydney Dragway)

*  16 July - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters) 

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  12 July - DGV Track Training @ 3pm with John Crouchley

*  15 July - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

TOUR DE BELLO - offer closes end july, so don't delay

New Shorts - 3 July

Wagga Classic 17 - Conor Tarlington (BiciSport Rauland) goes top 10 in Division 2

Nowra 17 - BiciSport Womens TTT team for the Nowra State Championships on 8 July includes Amber Walsh, Su Preeto, Kirsty Flanagan & Ruth Strapp

Nowra 17 - BiciSport Masters 180+ team of Raoul Westbrook, Brett Tarlington, Graeme Cocks & Ian Grainger at Terrey Hills on a chilly Sunday morning

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Wagga Weekend @ 1-2 July - Good quality fields made the trip for the Wagga Classic weekend with a 100k road race on the Saturday and a short criterium on the Sunday. Conor Tarlington went top 10 in Division 2 on the Saturday. Conor was a bunch finish in the Sunday criterium.

*  RAW Track @ 30 June - RAW wins and placings across Graeme Cockerton, James Thornton & David Browne. David currently leads the Division 2 pointscore and Graeme leads Division 3. 

*  Mike O'Reilly has resigned as the NSW State Handicapper. Mike introduced the NSW Handicapping Policy in early 2015 and all NSW handicapping grades are now digitally recorded on the CycNSW membership system.

*  Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) departs for Belgium this week, and commences racing in Belgium the week of 10 July. A separate "BiciSport in Flanders" website blog will be in this News section from that week and regularly updated.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  7 July - RAW Track @ DGV

*  8 July - NSW Teams Time Trial Championships (Nowra), Calga Road Race (Central Coast CC)

*  9 July - Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters)  

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  5 July - DGV Track training @ 3pm with John Crouchley

*  6 July - No Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride this week (due to Nowra TTT)

*  7 July - Nowra Airport TTT course recce (time tbc)

*  8 July - Moorebank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  9 July - Greenwell Point @ 8.00am (to Currabanong Beach)

NOWRA TTT - TIMETABLE, WHERE TO MEET, RIDES, START TIMES, GREENWELL POINT

Timetable - Thursday .. meet at Greenwell Point Motel & nearby house (contact Mike O'Reilly on 0417 403 244). Friday - TTT course recce from Nowra Airport (Garadi Street) at 1pm (contact Mike on the day) 

Saturday - Race day team start times are posted below. Team meeting point is in Garadi Street off Wugan Street at Nowra Airport (off Braidwood Rd). Riders need to be there no later than 90 minutes before your team start time. Greenwell Point Café dinner is @ 7pm and a 5 minute walk from the motel.

Sunday - BiciSport team ride over 50k starts at 8.00am from outside the Pelican Café in Greenwell Point to Currarong Beach & return   

Sassafras Challenge

Open Men - Start Time - 10.12am - Conor Tarlington, Lachlan Haughey, Will Peters, Peter O'Sullivan, David Browne

Open Women - Start Time - 11.18am - Ruth Strapp, Su Preeto, Amber Walsh, Angela Smith

Masters 180+

# 1 - Start Time - 11.46am - Ian Grainger, Brett Tarlington, Graeme Cocks, Raoul Westbrook, Peter Verhoeven, Peter O'Sullivan

Masters 150+

# 3 - Start Time - 12.04pm - Mike Foster, Matt Coy, Giovanni Pilu, Simon Lempriere, Dean Gale, Ben Pines

# 2 - Start Time - 12.42pm - Graham Cockerton, Dom Zumbo, James Thornton, Tom Green, Peter Verhoeven,  Peter O'Sullivan

# 1 - Start Time - 12.58am - Stewart Campbell, Mike O'Brien, Anthony Colantonio, Peter Verhoeven, Peter O'Sullivan

Team Managers

# - John Crouchley, Alex Simmons, Mike O'Reilly, Noel La Rose, Peter Davis, Jock Young

DERNY RESTORATION PROJECT

*  John Crouchley (BiciSport Coach) has led the restoration project on the Sydney Olympic 2000 Dernys that were laying idle and in serious disrepair at the back of DGV Velodrome. The motorised dernys (originally made in Belgium) were used to pace track riders at DGV. Several practical issues have had to be overcome in the tedious restoration project, not least of which being the antiquated 2 stroke engines which were (and most certainly still are) notorious for failing to start after prolonged "non use" (lets try 16 years !). The derny pictured above has been fully detailed & restored and will be returned to DGV in a presentation case for general public display. A second derny has had a new 4 stroke engine fitted (much easier to start and increased performance) and has been successfully tested at DGV. The remaining dernys are in the process of being fully detailed and restored to their former Olympic glory. A big thankyou to the BiciSport restoration team who are actively involved in this ongoing project.  

TOUR DE BELLO

For Sale - 1981 Colnago "Super" steel frame with Columbus tubing (size 57cm x 57cm measured centre to centre). Burgundy colour with period Colnago decals. Fully chromed front forks & part chromed rear chain stays. Frame has not a scratch, never crashed and "as showroom new" for just $800. Contact Mike O'Reilly via email on bicisport1@gmail.com  

News Shorts - 26 June

Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) commences a six week secondment with the ASFRA Racing Team (Flanders Cycles) in Oudenaarde Belgium from 10 July until late August. Peter's program will be a combination of regular 120k "kermesse style" racing and top level "Inter Club" racing over distances of 150k-170k. A daily report from 10 July will be posted on this News page.        

RAW 17 @ DGV - Matt Karai leads the peloton

RAW 17 @ DGV - Graham Cockerton

RAW 17 @ DGV - David Browne in the distinctive RAW kit  

RACING THIS WEEK

*  30 June - RAW Track @ DGV

*  1 July - Victorian ITT Series (Eildon, Victoria)

*  1-2 July - Wagga Wagga Weekend.

*  2 July - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Rememberance Cup ECR (Marconi CC), Calga ITT (ATTA)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  27 June - BiciSport TTT training @ Elizabeth Bay Park (Lake Munmorah) @ 10am

*  28 June - DGV Training @ 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  29 June - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial @ 11am

*  1 July - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.15am

*  2 July - BiciSport TTT training @ Helensburgh & Terrey Hills

NOWRA TTT - FINAL TRAINING SESSION on 2 JULY -

Sassafras Challenge

Open Men - Conor Tarlington, Lachlan Haughey, Will Peters, Peter O'Sullivan, David Browne

Open Women - Ruth Strapp, Kirsty Flanagan, Su Preeto, Amber Walsh, Angela Smith

Masters All Ages

# 1 - Mike Foster, Matt Coy, Giovanni Pilu, Ben Pines, Simon Lempriere, Dean Gale

Masters 150+

# 1 - Stewart Campbell, Mike O'Brien, Anthony Colantonio, Peter Verhoeven, Peter O'Sullivan

# 2 - Graham Cockerton, Dom Zumbo, James Thornton, Tom Green, Peter Verhoeven,  Peter O'Sullivan

# 3 - Ian Grainger, Brett Tarlington, Graeme Cocks, Raoul Westbrook, Peter Verhoeven, Peter O'Sullivan

Team Managers

# - John Crouchley, Alex Simmons, Mike O'Reilly, Noel La Rose, Peter Davis, Jock Young  

*  BiciSport Team Time Trial Training @ July 2. There will be two options - some teams @ Helensburgh (with John Crouchley) with other teams @ Piemonte Café (with Mike O'Reilly).

*  Helensburgh - From Sydney take the Princess Motorway going south towards Wollongong,   Take the Helensburgh exit off Princess Motorway,  Turn left at the first Roundabout (at old Princess Highway), Go 250m and the Sunrise Nursery is on your right (car parking, coffee & toilets), Meet at Sunrise Nursery at 8.30am and depart at 9.00am

*  Terrey Hills - Meet at Piemonte Café Terrey Hills at 8.00am and depart at 8.30am for Booralie Rd

TOUR DE BELLO

News Shorts - 19 June

Coonabarabran Gunnedah 17 - Conor Tarlington before the start in a chilly Coonabarabran

Coonabarabran Gunnedah 17 - cattle blocked the course with 50k to go, but eventually moved off the road

Coonabarabran Gunnedah 17 - Conor Tarlington (blue helmet blue shoes) in the lead group with 45k to the finish

Gunnedah Tamworth 17 - Conor finished 16th in Division 1. Both races over the weekend were well conducted in ideal conditions. 

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Gunnedah Weekend @ June 17 & 18 - The weather was perfect for the Coonabarabran 110k handicap with little or no wind and ideal racing conditions save for a few cattle on the road. Conor Tarlington finished 31st in the lead group after an excellent performance in the Coonabarabran Gunnedah handicap. Day 2 was the 108k Gunnedah Tamworth graded scratch race. Conditions were again ideal with a new finish on the outskirts of Tamworth. Conor finished 16th in Division 1 @ 7 minutes (being the Division 1 main peloton).  

RACING THIS WEEK

*  25 June - Melburn Roobaix Cyclosportive (Melbourne, Vic), Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  19 June - No DGV training until after the Nowra TTT in early July

*  21 June - Aero testing with Alex Simmons @ DGV @ 10am

*  22 June - No Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride this week

*  24 June - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  25 June - BiciSport TTT Training @ Piemonte Café @ 7.30am (depart 8.00am)

NOWRA TTT - TRAINING on 25 June at TERREY HILLS

Nominations open - Nominations are now open for BiciSport teams to the Nowra TTT on Saturday 8 July. BiciSport will provide team managers, support team drivers together with accommodation at Greenwell Point outside Nowra on the Saturday night. Sunday is either a BiciSport club ride to Culburra Beach over 50k or alternatively you can compete in the Sassafras Road Race. Nominations are to Mike O'Reilly on bicisport1@gmail.com. Nominations received to date -

Sassafras Challenge

Men - Conor Tarlington, Lachlan Haughey, Mike O'Brien, Rider 4 (tbc), Stewart Campbell (Reserve # 1)

Women - Ruth Strapp, Kirsty Flanagan, Su Preeto, Amber Walsh, Angela Smith (Reserve # 1), Lise Benjamin (Reserve # 2)

Masters 150+

# 1 - Stewart Campbell, Anthony Colantonio, Peter Verhoeven, Peter O'Sullivan, Mike O'Brien (Reserve # 1)

# 2 - Pilu - Mike Foster, Matt Coy, Giovanni Pilu, Ben Pines, Simon Lempriere (Reserve # 1), Dean Gale (Reserve # 2)

# 3 - Graham Cockerton, Dom Zumbo, James Thornton, Tom Green, Stewart Campbell (Reserve # 1), Mike O'Brien (Reserve # 2)

TBC - David Browne, Brett Tarlington

Masters 180+

# 1 - Ian Grainger, Graeme Cocks, Raoul Westbrook, Jock Young

TBC - Peter Davis

Team Managers

# - John Crouchley, Alex Simmons, Mike O'Reilly, Noel La Rose, Peter Davis  

*  TTT Training venues, dates, times -

*  25 June - Piemonte Café Terrey Hills - meet at 7.30am in carpark, depart at 8.00am

*  2 July - Piemonte Café Terrey Hills (most teams with Mike O'Reilly) - meet at 7.30am in carpark, depart at 8.00am or Helensburgh (some teams with John Crouchley) on Sunday 2 July - meet at 8.00am, depart at 8.30am

                                                    TOUR OF BELLO

News Shorts - 12 June

Stelvio Santani Gran Fondo 17 - Brad Mills & David Cooper (BiciSport) climbed the Mortriolo Pass on June 12. The Mortriolo Pass itself is just outside Bormio with gradients of 18% as the climb passes the Marco Pantani Monument.

West Head Subaru Classic 17 - Anthony Colantonio took second in Division 2

Cervelo Masters Kooragang 17 - Kirsty Flanagan (3rd woman Division 5), Ruth Strapp (1st woman Division 4)

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  West Head Subaru Classic @ 11 June - A wet & woolly day greeted the Subaru Classic with both the circuit & distances shortened. Peter Livingstone had a small "off" in Elite A grade with Anthony Colantonio a good second in B grade. 

*  Cervelo Masters Newcastle @ 12 June - Ruth Strapp took 1st woman in Division 4 and Kirsty Flanagan 3rd woman in Division 5.   

RACING THIS WEEK

*  16 June - RAW Track (DGV)

*  16-18 June - Cycling Australia Under 19 National Road Championships (Geelong, Vic)

*  17 June - Calga RR (CC)

*  17-18 June - Gunnedah Weekend

*  18 June - Mt Ku Ring Gai Criterium (NS), Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  12 June - No DGV training until after Nowra TTT

*  15 June - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  17 June - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

NOWRA TTT - Next Training session Sunday 25 June at Terrey Hills

Nominations open - Nominations are now open for BiciSport teams to the Nowra TTT on Saturday 8 July. BiciSport will provide team managers, support team drivers together with accommodation at Greenwell Point outside Nowra on the Saturday night. Sunday is either a BiciSport club ride to Culburra Beach over 50k or alternatively you can compete in the Sassafras Road Race. Nominations are to Mike O'Reilly on bicisport1@gmail.com. Nominations received to date -

Sassafras Challenge - Conor Tarlington, Lachlan Haughey, Tom Green

Masters 150+

#1 - Graham Cockerton, Dom Zumbo, James Thornton, Anthony Colantonio, Reserve #1, Reserve #2

#2 - Peter Verhoeven, Peter O'Sullivan, David Browne tbc

#3 - Pilu # 1 - Mike Foster, Matt Coy, Giovanni Pilu, Ben Pines, Reserve #1, Reserve #2

#4 - Pilu # 2 - Simon Lempriere, Dean Gale, Stewart Campbell, Mike O'Brien, Reserve #1, Reserve #2

#5 - Stephen Brown, Paul Curgenven, Colin Edmonds, Mark Walsh tbc

Masters 180+

# 1 - Peter Verhoeven, Ian Grainger, Graeme Cook, Jock Young, Raoul Westbrook, Peter Davis, Brett Tarlington

Masters Women

# 1 - Ruth Strapp, Kirsty Flanagan, Su Preeto, Lise Benjamin (Reserve)

Team Managers

# - John Crouchley, Alex Simmons, Mike O'Reilly, Noel La Rose, Mike Lawson  

*  TTT Training venues, dates, times -

*  Piemonte Café Terrey Hills - meet at 7.30am in carpark, depart at 8.00am on 

Sunday 25 June

*  Helensburgh on Sunday 2 July - meet at 8.00am, depart at 8.30am

                                                     TOUR De BELLO

                                    RAW (Race All Winter) starts at DGV on Friday 16 June

News Shorts - 5 June

Sydney Road Championships 17 - Ruth Strapp was 3rd in Womens B grade

Sydney Road Championships 17 - Kirsty Flanagan, Ian Grainger & Ruth Strapp

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*   Sydney Road Titles @ Penrith Regatta Centre @ June 4 - BiciSport take 2 Bronze

Under 23 - Peter Livingstone (Mobius) took 3rd. M6 - James Thornton 8th, Peter Verhoeven 16th. M8 - Ian Grainger 8th. Women B grade - Ruth Strapp 3rd. Women C grade - Kirsty Flanagan 4th

*  Marchialonga Gran Fondo (Italy) @ June 4 - Brad Mills & David Cooper had a "long last climb over the San Pellogrino Pass, a fantastic downhill run to the finish. Doing some nice rides in Austria and head for Bormio on Friday and the Stelvio Gran Fondo". 

*  Recovery Ward - Several BiciSport members in recovery mode at present. Lise Benjamin (ribs), Marty Wright (knee), Sue Tierney (knee), Bob Green (hip), Mike Lawson (hamstring) & Mike O'Reilly (stent). A speedy recovery to all.

Brad Mills & David Cooper are set for the Stelvio Santini on 10 June in the Italian Dolomites  

RACING THIS WEEK

*  June 10 - Stelvio Santini Gran Fondo (Italy) - Brad Mills & David Cooper

*  June 11 - West Head Road Race (Manly CC), Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters)

*  June 12 - Cervelo Masters (Kooragang Island, Newcastle) 

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  June 5 - No DGV track training until after Nowra TTT

*  June 8 - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  June 10 - Moorebank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am  

NOWRA TTT - Next Training session Sunday 18 June at Terrey Hills

Nominations open - Nominations are now open for BiciSport teams to the Nowra TTT on Saturday 8 July. BiciSport will provide team managers, support team drivers together with accommodation at Greenwell Point outside Nowra on the Saturday night. Sunday is either a BiciSport club ride to Culburra Beach over 50k or alternatively ride the Sassafras Road Race. Nominations are to Mike O'Reilly on bicisport1@gmail.com. Nominations received to date -

Sassafras Challenge - Conor Tarlington, Lachlan Haughey, Tom Green

Masters 150+

#1 - Graham Cockerton, Dom Zumbo, James Thornton, Anthony Colantonio

#2 - Peter Verhoeven, Peter O'Sullivan, David Browne (tbc)

#3 - Team Pilu # 1 (team members to be confirmed)

#4 - Team Pilu # 2 (Giovanni Pilu, Matt Coy, Stewart Campbell, Mike O'Brien)

#5 - Stephen Brown, Paul Curgenven, Colin Edmonds, Mark Walsh

Masters 180+

# 1 - Ian Grainger, Graeme Cook, Jock Young, Raoul Westbrook, Peter Davis, Brett Tarlington

Masters Women

# 1 - Ruth Strapp, Kirsty Flanagan, Lise Benjamin, Su Preeto, Sue Tierney (Reserve)

Team Managers

# - John Crouchley, Alex Simmons, Mike O'Reilly, Noel La Rose, Mike Lawson, Sue Tierney  

*  TTT Training venues, dates, times -

*  Piemonte Café Terrey Hills - meet at 7.30am in carpark, depart at 8.00am on 

Sunday 18 June & Sunday 25 June

*  Helensburgh on Sunday 2 July - meet at 8.00am, depart at 8.30am

                                    TOUR DE BELLO

PIMP MY GIOS TORINO

*  John Elderfield (BiciSport Master) has purchased a new retro version of a 1970's classic Gios Torino ridden by the likes of Patrick Sercu & Roger De Vlaeminck. The Gios has the traditional chrome forks and famous purple-blue colour scheme. 

                                                             Patrick Sercu on the Gios Torino

News Shorts - 28 May

BiciSport Masters Brad Mills & David Cooper attack the Italian Dolomites on 4 June at the Marcialonga Gran Fondo (going over the San Pellegrino Pass) ... then attempt the Stelvio Santani Gran Fondo on 10 June going over both the Mortriolo & Stelvio Passes used in the recent Giro.

Brad Mills and David Cooper can look forward to the Stelvio on 10 June

The Giro in 1980 featured the Stelvio Pass and Bernard Hinualt topped the summit in heavy snow.

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Waratah Masters @ Heffron Park @ May 28 - Raoul Westbrook took a D grade win in a solo breakaway. Karl Hoad made his racing debut in C grade with the support of Ian Grainger. 

*  This week both Brad Mills & David Cooper head for the Italian Dolomites and the Marcialonga Gran Fondo then the Stelvio Santani Grand Fondo. The Stelvio Gran Fondo is the tougher of the two Fondo's with climbs up the Mortriolo then finishing with the Stelvio Pass.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  June 2 - RAW Track @ DGV

*  June 3 - Sydney Road Titles (Penrith Lakes Regatta Centre), Calga Road Race (Central Coast CC)

*  June 4 - Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters), Calga ITT (ATTA)  

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  May 29 - No DGV Track Training until after Nowra TTT

*  June 1 - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  June 3 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  June 4 - BiciSport TTT Training @ Piemonte Café Terrey Hills @ 7.30am  

NOWRA TTT - Training starts SUNDAY 4 JUNE

*  Nominations open - Nominations are now open for BiciSport teams to the Nowra TTT on Saturday 8 July. BiciSport will provide team managers, support team drivers together with accommodation at Greenwell Point outside Nowra on the Saturday night. Sunday is either a BiciSport club ride to Culburra Beach over 50k or alternatively ride the Sassafras Road Race. Nominations are to Mike O'Reilly on bicisport1@gmail.com. Nominations received to date -

Sassafras Challenge - Conor Tarlington, Lachlan Haughey, Tom Green

Masters 150+

#1 - Graham Cockerton, Dom Zumbo, James Thornton, Anthony Colantonio, Peter Verhoeven

#2 - Brett Tarlington

#3 - Team Pilu # 1 (team members to be confirmed)

#4 - Team Pilu # 2 (Giovanni Pilu, Matt Coy, Stewart Campbell, Mike O'Brien)

#5 - Stephen Brown, Paul Curgenven, Colin Edmonds, Mark Walsh

Masters 180+

# 1 - Ian Grainger, Graeme Cook, Jock Young, Raoul Westbrook, Peter Davis

Masters Women

# 1 - Sue Tierney, Ruth Strapp, Kirsty Flanagan, Lise Benjamin

Team Managers

# - John Crouchley, Alex Simmons, Mike O'Reilly, Noel La Rose, Mike Lawson  

*  TTT Training venues, dates, times -

*  Piemonte Café Terrey Hills - meet at 7.30am in carpark, depart at 8.00am on 

Sunday 18 June & Sunday 25 June

*  Helensburgh on Sunday 2 July - meet at 8.00am, depart at 8.30am

                                             TOUR DE BELLO

News Shorts - 21 May

A retro shot of a 1970's era Molteni Eddy Merckx. All pre 1980 Eddy Merckx frames were built by either Ernesto Colnago (1971-73), Ugo De Rosa (1974-76) or the Belgian master frame builder Fernand Kessels (1971-79). The consensus is Ernesto & Ugo built the Molteni 'team' bikes whilst Fernand Kessels built the Molteni production models for general public distribution. Fernand died in 1979 and Merckx started his own frame building factory in 1980.

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Waratah Masters @ Lansdowne @ 20 May - Ian Grainger finished 6th in C grade

RACING THIS WEEK

*  May 26 - RAW Track (Race All Winter) @ DGV @ 6.30pm

*  May 27 - Fred Icke Road Race (VRS-Creswick Vic)

*  May 27-28 - Goulburn Junior Tour

*  May 28 - Lansdowne Park Criterium (Waratah Masters)

                                       RAW Track starts the 'pre-season' on May 26 @ DGV

BICISPORT TRAINING RIDES THIS WEEK

*  May 22 - No DGV Track training until after Nowra TTT

*  May 25 - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  May 27 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am  

NOWRA TEAM TIME TRIALS - TRAINING STARTS 4 JUNE @ TERREY HILLS

*  Nominations open - Nominations are now open for BiciSport teams to the Nowra TTT on Saturday 8 July. BiciSport will provide team managers, support team drivers together with accommodation at Greenwell Point outside Nowra on the Saturday night. Sunday is either a BiciSport club ride to Culburra Beach over 50k or alternatively ride the Sassafras Road Race. Nominations are to Mike O'Reilly on bicisport1@gmail.com. Nominations received to date -

Elite - Conor Tarlington

Masters All Ages - Tom Green

Masters 150+

#1 - Anthony Colantonio, Graham Cockerton, James Thornton, Dom Zumbo

#2 - Stewart Campbell, Mike O'Brien, Peter Verhoeven

#3 - Team Pilu # 1 (team members to be confirmed)

#4 - Team Pilu # 2 (team members to be confirmed)

#5 - Stephen Brown, Paul Curgenven, Colin Edmonds, Mark Walsh

Masters 180+

# 1 - Jock Young, Peter Davis, Ian Grainger, Raoul Westbrook

# 2 - Mike Lawson

Masters Women - Sue Tierney, Ruth Strapp, Kirsty Flanagan, Lise Benjamin

Team Managers - John Crouchley, Alex Simmons, Mike O'Reilly, Noel La Rose, Graham Tierney  

*  TTT Training venues, dates, times -

*  Piemonte Café Terrey Hills - meet at 7.30am in carpark, depart at 8.00am on 

Sunday 4 June, Sunday 18 June & Sunday 25 June

*  Helensburgh on Sunday 2 July

TOUR DE BELLO - 31 AUGUST to 3 SEPTEMBER

Recent improvements to the NSW Pacific coastal freeway, which now bypasses the towns of Nambucca Heads, Urunga and Bellingen (and Macksville later in 2017), has opened up a whole raft of great cycling options in the region. No traffic, no lights, just endless tarmac rolling through glorious countryside.  All this just 5.5 hours drive from Wahroonga at the southern end of the M1 freeway or a lazy hour's flight from Sydney.

Bicisport and RST Sport with the support of Happy Wheels, presents the Tour de Bello, a road cycling training camp held in and around the delightful Coffs Coast towns of Bellingen and Urunga.

Enjoy challenging rides through beautiful scenery on quiet, safe, cyclist friendly roads, with support vehicles and ride guides for extra convenience and peace of mind. Afterwards you can relax and recover in spacious and comfortable resort accommodation, have a leg rub from one of the massage therapists on hand or a nice post ride recovery nap. You'll refuel with great local food, have your bike attended to by our tour mechanic and take the opportunity to discuss your training with our top of the line cycling coach and learn about how to achieve your riding goals and gain that extra encouragement. Go to the tabs on this website for further information..

BIKE SHOP OF THE FUTURE ??

Kevin Marckx from Aalst Belgium supplied these two photo's from the new Aalst bike shop with a real twist - your own mini velodrome plus the mandatory coffee shop.  

News Shorts - 15 May

Grafton to Inverell 17 - Conor Tarlington (BiciSport Rauland) faced up to a tough challenge at G2I 17

Grafton to Inverell 17 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) drives at the front

Grafton to Inverell 17 - NRS Division 1 climbs the misty 17k climb of Gibraltar Range

West Head Road Race @ 14 May - Anthony Colantonio took 3rd in B grade. 

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Grafton to Inverell Classic @ 13 May - Both Conor Tarlington (BiciSport Rauland) and Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) had a tough day in the NRS office. Both were a "DNF" after climbing the Gibraltar Range in NRS Division 1

*  West Head Road Race @ 14 May - Anthony Colantonio took 3rd in B grade

*  Calga @ 13 May, Waratahs @ 14 May - Ian Grainger rode well at the Calga club race on Saturday then backed up with 7th on Sunday at Waratah Masters. Raoul Westbrook finished 3rd in D grade at Waratah Masters. 

RACING THIS WEEK

*  21 May - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Mt Ku Ring Gai Criterium (NS)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  15 & 17 May - DGV Track Training is postponed until after the Nowra TTT in July

*  18 May - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  20 May - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

TOUR DE BELLO - 31 AUGUST to 3 SEPTEMBER

Recent improvements to the NSW Pacific coastal freeway, which now bypasses the towns of Nambucca Heads, Urunga and Bellingen (and Macksville later in 2017), has opened up a whole raft of great cycling options in the region. No traffic, no lights, just endless tarmac rolling through glorious countryside.  All this just 5.5 hours drive from Wahroonga at the southern end of the M1 freeway or a lazy hour's flight from Sydney.

Bicisport and RST Sport with the support of Happy Wheels, presents the Tour de Bello, a road cycling training camp held in and around the delightful Coffs Coast towns of Bellingen and Urunga.

Enjoy challenging rides through beautiful scenery on quiet, safe, cyclist friendly roads, with support vehicles and ride guides for extra convenience and peace of mind. Afterwards you can relax and recover in spacious and comfortable resort accommodation, have a leg rub from one of the massage therapists on hand or a nice post ride recovery nap. You'll refuel with great local food, have your bike attended to by our tour mechanic and take the opportunity to discuss your training with our top of the line cycling coach and learn about how to achieve your riding goals and gain that extra encouragement. Go to the tabs on this website for further information..

BICISPORT TEAM TIME TRIAL TEAMS - NOWRA on 8 JULY

Saturday 8 July is the NSW Club Teams Time Trial Championships and BiciSport is anticipating entering up to 10 teams for this great teams event. Nominations are now open with expressions of interest to bicisport1@gmail.com. Training sessions will be confirmed shortly.

As usual BiciSport teams will be hosted overnight at the Greenwell Point Motel on the Saturday night, with dinner hosted by Sam at the nearby Greenwell Point Café from 6.30pm. There is an organised 50k ride on the Sunday morning to Culburra Beach & return.  Any questions please contact Mike O'Reilly on 0417 403 244

Giro 17 does Blockhaus and who could resist a Giro 'Blockhaus' retro picture featuring Felice Gimondi (Salvarani), Michelle Dancelli (Molteni), Eddy Merckx (Faemino) & Martin Van Den Bossche (Molteni)   

News Shorts - 8 May

Grafton to Inverell Classic 17 - Conor Tarlington (BiciSport Rauland) starts his first NRS event at the Grafton this coming weekend

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Womens Masters Road Series (WMRS) - Ruth Strapp currently leads the B Grade WMRS and Kirsty Flanagan is a close second in C grade.

*  Redlands Bicycle Classic @ 3-7 May - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) has been struggling after his major Tour of Gila crash and Redlands was a bridge too far. Peter posted the following Redlands results - Stage 1 .. 10k Prologue - 175th @ 3min 2secs. Stage 2 .. 160k Road Race and Peter retired with 30k to go. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

*  Grafton Inverell Classic @ 13 May - Conor Tarlington (BiciSport-Rauland) will fly the BiciSport flag with the BiciSport support crew of Fiona Fahy (Chief Commissaire), Robyn Sprouster & Alex Simmons (Commissaires), John Crouchley (Commissaire driver), Mike O'Reilly (Commissaire driver-State Handicapper) 

*  Sydney Classic Bicycle Show @ 6 May - Dulwich Hill CC at Tempe Velodrome hosted the 5th Sydney Classic Bicycle Show. A great day out for picking up a bargain.  

*  Cootamundra Weekend @ 6-7 May - Conor Tarlington rode well both days but the weekend victories both went to the outer bunches. The new course outside Cootamundra was very favourably received. 

RACING THIS WEEK

*  May 9 - CyclingNSW - Annual General Meeting (Bankstown Sports Club) @ 7.30pm

*  May 13 - Grafton to Inverell Classic (NRS), Calga Road Race (Central Coast CC)

*  May 14 - West Head Road Race (Manly CC), Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  May 8 & 10 - DGV Track Training @ 3pm with John Crouchley

*  May 11 - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ 11am @ Centennial Park

*  May 13 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

TOUR DE BELLO - 31 AUGUST to 3 SEPTEMBER

Recent improvements to the NSW Pacific coastal freeway, which now bypasses the towns of Nambucca Heads, Urunga and Bellingen (and Macksville later in 2017), has opened up a whole raft of great cycling options in the region. No traffic, no lights, just endless tarmac rolling through glorious countryside.  All this just 5.5 hours drive from Wahroonga at the southern end of the M1 freeway or a lazy hour's flight from Sydney.

Bicisport and RST Sport with the support of Happy Wheels, presents the Tour de Bello, a road cycling training camp held in and around the delightful Coffs Coast towns of Bellingen and Urunga.

Enjoy challenging rides through beautiful scenery on quiet, safe, cyclist friendly roads, with support vehicles and ride guides for extra convenience and peace of mind. Afterwards you can relax and recover in spacious and comfortable resort accommodation, have a leg rub from one of the massage therapists on hand or a nice post ride recovery nap. You'll refuel with great local food, have your bike attended to by our tour mechanic and take the opportunity to discuss your training with our top of the line cycling coach and learn about how to achieve your riding goals and gain that extra encouragement. Go to the tabs on this website for further information.

BICISPORT TEAM TIME TRIAL TEAMS - NOWRA on 8 JULY

Saturday 8 July is the NSW Club Teams Time Trial Championships and BiciSport is anticipating entering up to 10 teams for this great teams event. Nominations are now open with expressions of interest to bicisport1@gmail.com. Training sessions will be confirmed shortly.

As usual BiciSport teams will be hosted overnight at the Greenwell Point Motel on the Saturday night, with dinner hosted by Sam at the nearby Greenwell Point Café from 6.30pm. There is an organised 50k ride on the Sunday morning to Culburra Beach & return.  Any questions please contact Mike O'Reilly on 0417 403 244

WOMENS MASTERS ROAD SERIES (WMRS) - Illawarra ROUND

WMRS 17 on 29 April - Ruth Strapp (BiciSport) at the Illawarra round in B grade

WMRS 17 on 29 April - Kirsty Flanagan (BiciSport) won the Illawarra round in C grade

 

CLARE CLASSIC (SA) CYCLOSPORTIVE - RECCE on 1 MAY

Clare Classic Cyclosportive 18 - James Yaffa (centre) from Bicycling Australia magazine together with Mike O'Reilly (Clare Ride Director) did a full course recce of the Clare Classic Cyclosportive course on Monday 1 May. Some of the most breathtaking country you've ever seen is on offer as the Clare Classic drifts through endless vineyards and rolling hills. Note your calendar and hope to see you on 8 April 2018.

News Shorts - 1 May

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Womens Masters Road Series @ Dapto 29 April - Kirsty Flanagan took an excellent C grade victory, and Ruth Strapp 4th in B grade

*  Redlands Bicycle Classic 3-7 May - Best wishes to Peter Livingstone this week. Peter had a big "off" at the last stage of the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico and should be recovered by Redlands. Follow the results on www.redlandsclassic.com

*  Clare Classic Cyclosportive on 8 April 2018 - Following on from the success of the Bowral Classic cyclosportive (over 3,000 starters) Bicycling Australia have expanded their cyclosportive program with the innovative Clare Classic in South Australia on 8 April 2018 (160k, 110k & 50k options through the Clare wine country). Mike O'Reilly (Ride Director) is in Clare this week finalising the 2018 course details. 

DULWICH HILL CC CLASSIC BICYCLE SHOW - TEMPE VELO SAT 6 MAY

*   The Dulwich Hill CC Classic Bicycle Show is now in its 5th year and attracts a huge following with the Classic "show & shine" competition and the best retro swap meet in the country. There is always a bargain to be had be it retro equipment, clothing or cycling bric-a-brac. The Tempe Velodrome opens at 11am and the Show concludes just after 3pm on Saturday 6 May.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  May 3-7 - Redlands Bicycle Classic (USA) with Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius)

*  May 6 - Tour of the South West (Vic-VRS), Ride Around the Lake Cyclosportive, Calga Road Race (CC), Cootamundra Weekend

*  May 7 - Eastern Creek (Waratah Masters), Calga ITT (ATTA),  Pedal4Kids Cyclosportive (Kiama to Centennial Park)  

The Central Coast CC Road Season    starts on Saturday 6 May at Calga.

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  May 1 & 3 - DGV Track Training with John Crouchley @ 3pm

*  May 4 - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  May 6 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am  

     31 August to 3 September

TOUR DE BELLO - 31 AUGUST to 3 SEPTEMBER

Recent improvements to the NSW Pacific coastal freeway, which now bypasses the towns of Nambucca Heads, Urunga and Bellingen (and Macksville later in 2017), has opened up a whole raft of great cycling options in the region. No traffic, no lights, just endless tarmac rolling through glorious countryside.  All this just 5.5 hours drive from Wahroonga at the southern end of the M1 freeway or a lazy hour's flight from Sydney.

Bicisport and RST Sport with the support of Happy Wheels, presents the Tour de Bello, a road cycling training camp held in and around the delightful Coffs Coast towns of Bellingen and Urunga.

Enjoy challenging rides through beautiful scenery on quiet, safe, cyclist friendly roads, with support vehicles and ride guides for extra convenience and peace of mind. Afterwards you can relax and recover in spacious and comfortable resort accommodation, have a leg rub from one of the massage therapists on hand or a nice post ride recovery nap. You'll refuel with great local food, have your bike attended to by our tour mechanic and take the opportunity to discuss your training with our top of the line cycling coach and learn about how to achieve your riding goals and gain that extra encouragement. Go to the tabs on this website for further information.

BICISPORT TEAM TIME TRIAL TEAMS - NOWRA on 8 JULY

Saturday 8 July is the NSW Club Teams Time Trial Championships and BiciSport is anticipating entering up to 10 teams for this great teams event. Nominations are now open with expressions of interest to bicisport1@gmail.com. Training sessions will be confirmed shortly.

As usual BiciSport teams will be hosted overnight at the Greenwell Point Motel on the Saturday night, with dinner hosted by Sam at the nearby Greenwell Point Café from 6.30pm. There is an organised 50k ride on the Sunday morning to Culburra Beach & return.  Any questions please contact Mike O'Reilly on 0417 403 244

The late Michelle Scarponi was recently killed in a training accident just 2k from his home and is a timely reminder to all cyclists to take extreme care with road safety at all times.

News Shorts - 24 April

Tour of the Gila 17 in New Mexico (USA)

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

* Tour of Gila (USA) 19-25 April - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) has been racing at the Tour of Gila in New Mexico. Peter's race report follows - The first two days were hard and fast road races, the open freeways with well kept roads made the average speeds fast and getting in breaks difficult. A fantastic experience being in the pro American peloton. I have been unlucky to be caught in crashes in vital times on both stage 1 & 2. I am also going to ignore the ITT as it was an open fast course and without a TT bike I would be standing still. I have been on "bottle duty" for the Mobius team and riding in the wind at the front of the race which has been a fantastic experience especially being a part of the pro teams trains riding the front. I will have some leadership opportunities in the upcoming Redlands Tour. Results have been - Stage 1 and 102nd @ 2min 53secs. Stage 2 and 104th @ 2min 17 secs. Stage 3 was a 26k time trial and 131st @ 6min 52secs. Stage 4 was 63rd @ 3secs  

*  NSW Masters Road Championships (Orange) 22-24 April -    1 Gold   1 Silver

Congratulations to Jeremy Hopson who took Gold in the M1/2 Criterium and Matt Coy who took Silver in the M5 Criterium. Road Race (Saturday in Molong) - M1 .. David Munro 16th. M4 .. Dean Gale 21st. M5 .. Simon Lemperiere 5th, Jordan Reizes 14th. M6 .. Anthony Colantonio 11th. M8 .. Ian Grainger 8th. Criterium (Sunday at Orange Industrial Estate) - M1 .. Jeremy Hopson 1st, David Munro 12th. M5 .. Matt Coy 2nd, Jordan Reizes 6th, Simon Lemperiere 16th. M6 .. Anthony Colantonio 6th. M8 .. Ian Grainger 9th.  ITT (Monday at Orange Airport) M5 .. Matt Coy 7th. M6 .. Anthony Colantonio 5th. M8 .. Ian Grainger 5th.    

NSW Masters Orange 17 - James Thornton

NSW Masters Orange 17 - Anthony Colantonio

NSW Masters Orange 17 - Ian Grainger

RACING THIS WEEK

* Apr 26 - School holidays are over & the traffic is back !!

* Apr 28-30 - ACT Womens & Junior Tour (Canberra)

* Apr 30 - Lansdowne Park Criteriums (Waratah Masters), Whittlesea Challenge Cyclosportive (Vic) 

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Apr 26 - DGV Track Training with John Crouchley @ 3pm

*  Apr 27 - Distinguished Gentlmens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

* Apr 29 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am  

145 Classic lead peloton assemble in Kiama before the tough final ascent up Jamberoo Mountain. Eric Dole used 39x27 up the Jamberoo climb and said it wasn't small enough !

145 Classic - Centennial Park to Jamberoo Mountain

BiciSport supported the Sir David Martin Foundation on April 23 with a charity ride from Centennial Park to the top of the Jamberoo Mountain and the Triple Care Farm. A good sized peloton of 75 riders headed for Jamberoo in a supporting tailwind. Thank you to Kylie & Ben Mildren for organising the ride and the BiciSport support crew of Brett Tarlington, Conor Tarlington, Michelle Tarlington, Eric Dole & Karl Hoad.

NOWRA TEAM TIME CHAMPIONSHIPS - 8 JULY

Saturday 8 July is the NSW Club Teams Time Trial Championships and BiciSport is anticipating entering up to 10 teams for this great teams event. Nominations are now open with expressions of interest to bicisport1@gmail.com. Training sessions will be confirmed shortly. As usual BiciSport teams will be hosted at the Greenwell Point Motel on the Saturday night, with dinner hosted by Sam at the nearby Greenwell Point Café from 6.30pm. There is an organised 50k ride on the Sunday morning to Culburra Beach & return.  Any questions please contact Mike O'Reilly on 0417 403 244

News Shorts - 17 April

Erik Mather Cup 17 - Anthony Colantonio took 2nd in Division 2

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Erik Mather Cup at ECR on 16 April - Jeremy Hopson took 4th in Division 1 & Anthony Colantonio carried over his good velodrome form with an excellent 2nd in Division 2 in a two up breakaway.

*  Tour of Gila (USA) - After good success at the Berrima U23 Championships Peter Livingstone heads to the USA for the Tour of Gila & Redlands Bicycle Classic. Peter then heads off to Belgium in early July for a 6 week stint with the ASFRA Team in Oudenaarde.

*  NSW Masters Road Champs at Orange - Best wishes for next weekend's Orange Masters Championships to Anthony Colantonio, Matt Coy, Dean Gale, Ian Grainger, Jeremy Hopson, Simon Lemperiere, David Munro & James Thornton

*  Battle of the Border 2017 cancelled - Note that BoB for 2017 has been cancelled due to road damage from the recent floods on the NSW North Coast.  

RACING THIS WEEK

*  Apr 17 (Mon) - Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters), Mt Ku Ring Gai Criteriums (NS)

*  Apr 19 - Tour of Gila (USA) with Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) 

*  Apr 21 - World Masters Games (NZ)

*  Apr 22 - Victorian ITT Series (Castlemaine, Vic)

*  Apr 22-24 - NSW Masters Road Championships (Orange NSW)

*  Apr 23 - Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters) 

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Apr 20 - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  Apr 22 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  Apr 23 - 145 Classic Cyclosportive @ Centennial Park @ 6.30am

 The 145 Classic is to be held on Sunday 23 April from Centennial Park to Kiama starting at 6.30am. BiciSport is providing transport & Ride Leader support with the charity ride.  

The 25 March date has now been postponed to Saturday 6 May at Tempe Velodrome. This is a great day out using the centre of the Tempe Velodrome. Start time is 11am & finishing 3pm. 

BiciSport in Flanders 17 - Phil Gilbert drives past the Kokerelle B&B at Oudenaarde in the E3 Grand Prix. Phil was on a charge every race he rode and totally enlivened the 2017 Spring Classic campaign. Picture was taken with a standard iPhone 7. 

News Shorts - 10 April

NSW Under 23 State Road Championships 17 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) took the Bronze

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  NSW Championships at Berrima on Apr 9 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) continued his upward trajectory with a fine 3rd in the U23 Division. Peter goes to the USA shortly for the Tour of Gila & the Redlands Classic then Peter is off to Belgium in mid July for Team ASFRA based in Oudenaarde. 

*  Hospital Ward - Speedy recovery to Lise Benjamin who had an off at Lansdowne Park at Waratah Masters yesterday. Conor Tarlington (BiciSport Rausland) is recovering from a knee injury. 

RACING THIS WEEK

*  Apr 14 (Fri) - St Ives Criterium (MW), Ourimbah University Criterium (CC)

*  Apr 16 - Lansdowne Park Criterium (Waratah Masters)

*  Apr 17 (Mon) - Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters), Mt Ku Ring Gai Criteriums (NS) 

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Apr 13 - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  Apr 15 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  Apr 16 - Homebush Ferry Wharf @ 7am

BICISPORT VOLUNTEERS & THE 145 CLASSIC

The 145 Classic was postponed from 19 March and is now to be held on Sunday 23 April. The '145' denotes the 145k ride from Centennial Park to Kiama in support of the Sir David Martin Foundation youth support program. If you are able to support this charitable cause with either being a bunch leader or driver can you please email Mike O'Reilly on bicisport1@gmail.com

Dearest BiciSport Friends,

I finally took the big step of taking part in a Can Too program (a challenge to run a half-marathon, 21km no less! !) to raise funds for cancer research and find a cure for cancer.

I'd like to ask for your help to please sponsor my training and support my efforts to help save lives. All you need to do is click on the link below to make a donation through my fundraising page:

http://www.cantoo.org.au/fundraisers/CleoHiggins-OReilly2555

Anything you'd like to give would be greatefully recieved.  Funds raised go towards supporting Cure Cancer Australia and Cancer Council NSW. 

Thanks for your support - it is truly appreciated..

Kind Regards

Cleo Higgins (O'Reilly) BiciSport Secretary

News Shorts - 3 April

B2B 17 - Stewart Campbell (BiciSport) took his third 70k category win at B2B 17 with a 30k solo escape.

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Bathurst Weekend (B2B) on 1-2 April - Gold Wave - Peter Livingstone took 6th, Conor Tarlington 65th with accredited times to Ben Pines (108th), David Munro (143rd), Simon Lempreiere (161st) and Ian Cocks (175th). Stewart Campbell took his 3rd win in the 70k recreational. Anthony Colantonio rode well but was unlucky.

*  Berrima Invitational on 26 March - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport) finished 6th in Division 1

RACING THIS WEEK

*  Apr 9 - Mt Baw Baw Classic (Vic), NSW Elite & U23 State Road Championships (Berrima), Lansdowne Park Criteriums (Waratah Masters) 

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Apr 6 - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am.

 *  Apr 7 - NSW School Term Ends (traffic gets easier the following week)

*  Apr 8 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  Apr 9 - Homebush Ferry Wharf @ 7am for Homebush Loops

Dearest BiciSport Friends,

I finally took the big step of taking part in a Can Too program (a challenge to run a half-marathon, 21km no less! !) to raise funds for cancer research and find a cure for cancer.

I'd like to ask for your help to please sponsor my training and support my efforts to help save lives. All you need to do is click on the link below to make a donation through my fundraising page:

http://www.cantoo.org.au/fundraisers/CleoHiggins-OReilly2555

Anything you'd like to give would be greatefully recieved.  Funds raised go towards supporting Cure Cancer Australia and Cancer Council NSW. 

Thanks for your support - it is truly appreciated..

Kind Regards

Cleo Higgins (O'Reilly) BiciSport Secretary

News Shorts - 27 March

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Orica Road Race March 26 - Over 300 starters at HEZ Kurri Kurri was a great way to kick off the CycNSW season. Women Div 1 - Ruth Strapp finished 18th. Div 2 - Kristy Flanagan took 3rd, Lise Benjamin 10th. Men Div 2 - Conor Tarlington took 6th, Ian Cocks 24th. Men Div 3 - Danny O'Keefe was 51st.  

RACING THIS WEEK

*  Apr 1-2 - Bathurst Weekend + B2B CycloSportive

*  Apr 2 - Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters), Calga Time Trials (ATTA), Victorian ITT Series (Geelong)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Mar 27 - No DGV track training

*  Mar 30 - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  Apr 1 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) & 9.30am

*  Apr 2 - Homebush Ferry Wharf @ 7am for SOPA loops

Dear BiciSport Friends,

I finally took the big step of taking part in a Can Too program (a challenge to run a half-marathon, 21km no less! !) to raise funds for cancer research and find a cure for cancer.

I'd like to ask for your help to please sponsor my training and support my efforts to help save lives. All you need to do is click on the link below to make a donation through my fundraising page:

http://www.cantoo.org.au/fundraisers/CleoHiggins-OReilly2555

Anything you'd like to give would be greatefully recieved.  Funds raised go towards supporting Cure Cancer Australia and Cancer Council NSW. 

Thanks for your support - it is truly appreciated..

Kind Regards

Cleo Higgins (O'Reilly) BiciSport Secretary

BiciSport in Flanders 2017

Paris Roubaix 17 - Tom Boonen & Matt Hayman roll out from Compeigne

OUDENAARDE & MAARKE KERKEM

The BiciSport group to Flanders 2017 includes Sue & Graham Tierney, Nigel Perry, Ian Masson & Mike O'Reilly. The team is based at www.kokerelle.be in the hamlet of Maarke Kerkem at the base of the Eikenberg climb (a cobbled climb used in all of the Flemish professional Classics). This web blog will be updated below as the Flanders Classic season unfolds. 

DWARS VLAANDEREN - March 22

First of the Wednesday semi Classics is Dwars Vlaanderen (Across Flanders) and Dwars uses all of the climbs in the other Classics to follow (be it E3 Grand Prix, 3 Days of De Panne or Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders).  The light training ride before Dwars in the afternoon included a warm up along the Kluisbergen Rail trail, then a climb of the Paterberg & Old Kwaremont cobbles. The BiciSport peloton saw Dwars three times at the Holleweg, Eikenberg & Patersburg cobbles then caught the finish at the Maarke Kerkem pub courtesy of Belgian television.   

Flanders 2017 - Graham & Sue Tierney outside the Kokerelle B&B in the village of Maarke Kerkem

Flanders 2017 - Karel Van Wijnendaele conceived the Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) and a monument is dedicated to his memory at the top of the Old Kwaremont cobbled climb. The winners of each Ronde have their image on their own small cobble in front of the KVW monument.   

Flanders 2017 - At the bottom of the Koppenberg (aka the Black Beast). It's so called as the cobbled wall cuts through the shadows of the Koppenberg forest (the climb is 22% at its steepest section)

Dwars Vlaanderen 17 - The peloton slams over the Holleweg cobbles just outside Maarke Kerkem

Dwars Vlaanderen 17 - The peloton hits the Eikenberg cobbles near Maarke Kerkem

Dwars Vlaanderen 17 - Phil Gilbert attacks the breakaway over the Patersburg cobbles (maximum gradient 20%)

E3 HARELBEKE GRAND PRIX - March 24

"E3" was actually the original Belgian freeway number from Antwerp to the French border and is now called the E17 Freeway (it's a bit like calling a bike race the M5 Classic). The sun had disappeared and the day dawned cloudy & cold with the opportunity to see the E3 Harelbeke several times at the Holleweg cobbles (again), Old Kruisberg, Old Kwaremont and Avelgem cobbles.         

E3 Harelbeke 17 - Tom Boonen leads the peloton on the Old Kruisberg climb at Ronse

E3 Harelbeke 17 - Peter Sagan on the Avelgem cobbles heading for the finish

E3 Harelbeke 17 - A cold start to the E3 day via the Schelde River bike path. The return trip into Oudenaarde was briefly stopped as the Oudenaarde bridge was raised to let river barges pass through Oudenaarde.

GHENT WEVELGEM CYCLOSPORTIVE - March 25

The GW Cyclosportive started & finished in Wevelgem and generally was a flat affair across West Flanders save for the climbs over Mont Du Cats (on the French border), the Rodeberg (Red Hill), the Zwarteberg (White Hill) and the cobbled Kemmelberg. Some 18,000 starters lined up for a cold & windy trek across Flanders Fields to the Kemmelberg. Both Sue & Graham survived well & joined the 95% of riders who walked the 28% Kemmelberg climb.      

Ghent Wevelgem Cyclosportive 17 - After 100k across Flanders Fields the immediate challenge becomes the 28% gradient to the top of the cobbled Kemmelberg. Sue & Graham joined the overwhelming majority and walked to the top. The World War 1 monument at the base of the climb is dedicated to the fallen French soldiers.   

GHENT WEVELGEM CLASSIC - March 26

An overnight stay at the Kemmelberg Hotel at the top of the mountain was delightful but issues with car parking on top of the mountain (on race day) prompted a rethink and the Bici peloton headed for the GW Classic start at Deinze.  

Ghent Wevelgem 17 - Peter Sagan before the start

Ghent Wevelgem 17 - The Deinze start offered a great opportunity to see the whole pro peloton cruise down to the sign on.  Tom Boonen, GVA & Peter Sagan received the biggest crowd support. 

3 DAYS of DE PANNE - March 28-30

The 41st Three days of De Panne has Stage 1 from De Panne (on the coast) to Zottegem (near Oudenaarde) with 2 laps over the Mur of Geraadsbergen. Stage 2 is Zottegem back to De Panne. Stage 3 is a short time trial around De Panne.

3 Days of De Panne 17 - Phil Gilbert attacks on the Mur (Wall) of Geraadsbergen

3 Days of De Panne 17 - Peloton climbs the Mur of Geraadsbergen long after Phil Gilbert had passed

3 Days of De Panne 17 - Direct Energy at the Stage 2 start at Zottegem

RONDE VAN VLAANDEREN CYCLOSPORTIVE - April 1

The first day of genuine Flemish cold, damp & cobbled wetness. The BiciSport peloton was reduced to two starters (just Ian Masson & Nigel Perry) who ventured out under cloudy damp skies. The Antwerp start was also decidedly wet with rain tumbling down to greet the 19,000 starters bouncing over greasy cobbled bergs. Everybody walked up the Koppenberg but Nigel was one of the few that rode up the Patersburg.       

Ronde Van Vlaanderen Cyclosportive 17 - Sue & Graham Tierney greet Maarten Verhulst at the top of the Eikenberg climb with 130k completed and 70k to go. The cyclosportive started in Antwerp in heavy rain and it stayed damp & cold most of the day.  Just after this picture was taken Maarten snapped his chain which was replaced by Flanders Cycles in Oudenaarde. 

Ronde Van Vlaanderen Cyclosportive 17 - Mike O'Reilly with Maarten Verhulst at the top of the Eikenberg  

Ronde Van VLAANDEREN (TOUR OF FLANDERS) - April 2

The easiest way to see the Ronde is on a bike. The day started with the Women's Ronde at 11am in Oudenaarde then it was off to the Koppenberg Café at Melden just 5k away. From there we picked up the Women's Ronde two more times (at Old Kwaremont & Patersburg). The run sheet for the Men's Ronde included the Kortekeer climb, the Koppenberg (with Phil Gilbert on the attack), then Old Kwaremont & the Schelde River Bridge. The day finished at the Lentrecote B&B on the Schelde River for the TV finish.     

Ronde Van Vlaanderen 17 - Greg Van Avermatt (GVA) on the Kortekeer climb outside Oudenaarde

Ronde Van Vlaanderen 17 - the Melden feedzone had some interesting characters (brother & sister) waiting for the professional peloton to arrive.

Ronde Van Vlaanderen 17 - the Oudenaarde start of the Womens race had some interesting characters

Ronde Van Vlaanderen 17 - the day after the Ronde it was time for Sue & Graham Tierney to get (lost ?) around the Flemish laneways near Zottegem & Sint Blasius Boekel. The ride included the cobbled Paddestraat, Lippenhoevestraat, Holleweg & Haaghoek (all used in the Ronde)

EDDY VERBUST MUSEUM - APRIl 4

Eddy Verbust Museum 17 - Nigel Perry, Graham Tierney, Sue Tierney, Eddy Verbust & Ian Masson alongside the Patrick Sercu medal collection from various Olympic & World Championships   

PARIS ROUBAIX RECCE - April 6

Paris Roubaix 17 - Recce on the Thursday before the classic is a chance to go to the Carrefour De L'Arbre cobbles and see the teams bounce over the stones. We arrived mid morning with 5 team buses waiting outside the famous Carrefour De L'Arbe Restaurant (in the background) but not a pro rider in sight. We waited for a while but alas no riders materialised so we then headed off to the Roubaix Velodrome for a coffee. There was a chilled wind blowing.  

Paris Roubaix 17 - outside the Carrefour De L'Arbe Restaurant. It used to be a run down old pub but is now a very expensive restaurant. Weather conditions were freezing. 

PARIS ROUBAIX CYCLOSPORTIVE&  RONDE VAN VLAANDEREN FOR UNDER 23 NATIONAL TEAMS - April 8

A double header day with Sue & Graham Tierney facing the Paris Roubaix Cyclosportive in the morning. Then in the afternoon the Ronde Van Vlaanderen for Under 23 National Teams doing circuits around Oudenaarde with two laps of the Eikenberg cobbled climb then past the Kokerelle B&B two times.  

Paris Roubaix Cyclosportive 17 - at the start adjacent to the Roubaix Velodrome

Paris Roubaix Cyclosportive 17 - Sue Tierney crosses the finishing line of the Roubaix Velodrome

Paris Roubaix Cyclosportive 17 - Graham & Sue Tierney

Ronde Van Vlaanderen Under 23 National Teams 17 - the peloton screams past the Kokerelle B&B

PARIS ROUBAIX - April 9

Tom Boonen's last hoorah. Its an early start to drive into Compeigne for the 10.45am start, then head off to some early cobbles at Viesly, then drive into Roubaix for the finish.   

Paris Roubaix 17 - The BiciSport team headed for the small village of Viesly near Solesmes and the PR peloton entered from one side of the village then headed off towards the Quivey cobbles only to return to the other side of Viesly some 20 minutes later.  

Paris Roubaix 17 - Having the PR peloton come in from one side of Viesly it was a brisk 500m walk to see the same PR peloton come into Viesly from the other side of the village. Viesly village part 2 featured Peter Sagan (obscured) tucked behind a BORA team mate. Tom Boonen is also tucked behind a QS team mate.

Paris Roubaix 17 - A short drive from Viesly and the BiciSport team decamped inside the Roubaix Velodrome some 75 metres from the finish. The Velodrome was packed all hoping to see Tom Boonen take the win but it was not to be. The small group pictured on the Velodrome just received the bell lap.

That's a wrap from Flanders 17 for this year. Tommy didn't win but heck, there was some fabulous racing. Hope you enjoyed the journey & look forward to doing it again soon. Cheers, M O'R