News Shorts - 11 December

Mike Smith at DGV set a new National record for the flying 200m of 10.783secs

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS - SMITH BREAKS NATIONAL RECORD

*  Sprint Series Round 2 @ DGV @ December 2 - Mike Smith (BiciSport Master) cracked a personal best of 10.783secs for the flying 200m in the M4 category at DGV on December 2. This was a new National record. Damien Bottero is climbing the Sprint result sheets and will be in fine form come the Masters Track Nationals in late February.

*  BiciSport Derny Restoration Project - By the end of December - five of the eight dernys will be restored to their former glory (that doesn't mean they work, but at least they look presentable) as the restoration project nears completion. A big thankyou to John Crouchley.     

The BiciSport Christmas Ride is on Sunday 17 December. Departing from the Piemonte Cafe carpark at Terrey Hills at 8.00am for the Akuna Bay Loop. Coffee is back at Piemonte Cafe from 9.30am. All welcome.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  Dec 16 - Bowral Track Open (Southern Highlands), Austral Wheelrace (Melbourne)

*  Dec 17 - Southern Hemisphere Cup (Waratah Masters), Mt Ku Ring Gai Criteriums (Northern Sydney), Shimano Criterium Series (St Kilda, Vic) 

CYCLING NSW 2018 OPEN ROAD CALENDAR POSTED

*  The 2018 CyclingNSW Open Road calendar was released last week and all events are now listed in the Calendar Section of this website. The comprehensive BiciSport 2018 calendar also carries Cycling Australia NRS events and all cyclosportives.

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Dec 11 - DGV Track Training @ 2.00pm with John Crouchley

*  Dec 13 - M7 Cyclepath Walgrove Rd @ 6.00am @ BP Wallgrove Rd

*  Dec 14 - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ Centennial Park Spruce Goose Cafe @ 10.30am

*  Dec 15 - School Term Ends - traffic is lighter until late January,  M7 Cyclepath Wallgrove Rd @ 6.00am @ BP Wallgrove Rd

*  Dec 16 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe (coffee only) from 9.30am

*  Dec 17 - BiciSport Christmas Ride from Piemonte Cafe Terrey Hills carpark @ 8.00am

Ghent Velodrome Belgium from the early 1970's - A nice black & white pic of David Allan (Melbourne) leading Eddy Merckx with Graeme Gilmore (Tasmania) just to the right of Eddy. 

News Shorts - 4 December

Derny 17 - John Crouchley & Graham Cockerton at DGV last week track testing the new 4 stroke derny. The revamped derny easily reached 65kph.

Etape 17 - Chris Froome at the post event presentation

Etape 17

Etape 17 - Across the top of the Dalgety Climb at Beloki and it was bleak in driving rain & heavy fog

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Etape Jindabyne @ 2 December - The Etape 17 was greeted with poor weather for the 6.30am start from Thredbo and changes to the course were needed due to the conditions. Tom Green & James Thornton (both BiciSport Masters) were finishers, and Tom finished 6th in his age category.

*  Tour of Bright @ 1-3 December - Adverse weather sweeping the Alpine region forced a rare event cancellation. 

*  BiciSport Christmas Ride @ Sunday 17 December - Departs from the Piemonte Cafe carpark @ 8.00am and headed for the Akuna Bay loop. Returning to Piemonte Cafe at 9.30am. All welcome.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  Dec 5-10 - Melbourne Six Day (Melbourne, DISC Velodrome)

*  Dec 5 - Heffron Park Criteriums

*  Dec 7 - Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland)

*  Dec 8 - NSW Track Championships (DGV)

*  Dec 10 - West Head Road Race (Manly), Western Sydney Dragway (Waratah Masters), Ourimbah Uni Super Criterium (Central Coast)  

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Dec 6 - DGV Track with John Crouchley @ 2.00pm

*  Dec 7 - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park Spruce Goose Cafe @ 10.30am

*  Dec 9 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe (coffee only) @ 9.30am   

*  Dec 10 - Beaumont Rd, Mt Ku Ring Gai @ 8.30am (local laps).

BICISPORT DERNY PROJECT

*  Derny Restoration Project - Work is continuing by the BiciSport restoration team led by John Crouchley. Challenges ... there have been a few. Not least of which has been the very cause of the original problem being the 'impossible to start' two stroke engine, more so with crusty old two stroke engines that haven't been started for more than 10 years. Options included (a) using a new two stroke synthetic petrol (but rebuilding the current engines was deemed way too costly) or (b) going 'electric' but this was discounted when it was discovered the derny simply wouldn't go fast enough to be meaningful for training purposes. Finally, after months of head scratching it was decided to go the four stroke engine option. A new four stroke engine was sourced from China, the old two stroke engine removed and the new engine installed. A recent DGV track test at Bass Hill some 3 months ago showed up pretty quickly that the new four stroke engine has "under geared" and the derny was still too slow. Again, back to the drawing board (and a nearby Taren Point mechanic) saw new drive cogs fitted and the revised gearing was track tested at DGV last week with BiciSport Master Graham Cockerton in tow (see picture above). After some 14 months of endless tinkering, matched by a modest budgetary outlay, the BiciSport restoration team are finally go with derny #1.       

Derny 17 and Bordeaux Paris 1970 - Each professional rider chased their individual derny machine for the last 300 kilometres of the Bordeaux Paris Classic (total Bordeaux Paris distance was over 600 kilometres). The derny partially obscured on the right of this picture is a spare if either of the two lead dernys suffered a mechanical failure.  

Gent 6 Day in Belgium - before memories fade one last action picture from the Kuipe Velodrome with the rider nearly horizontal on the super steep velodrome bankings pitched against the tiny 166 metre laps.

News Shorts - 27 November

Pilu @ Freshwater Charity Ride 17 - The BiciSport peloton before the start at the Sticky Bottle

Cycling Australia Awards Presentation 17 - Julie Speight was inducted into the CA Hall of Fame at the recent Awards ceremony in Melbourne, and Julie was joined by her 1988 Olympic coach John Crouchley (current BiciSport Coach)

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Pilu @ Freshwater Charity Ride @ November 26 - Over 100 riders formed three good sized pelotons for the Church Point loop and return to the Pilu Restaurant at Freshwater. A big thank you to Gio Pilu for organising this fundraiser for the Bear Cottage charity.  

RACING THIS WEEK

*  Nov 28 - Heffron Park Criteriums

*  Dec 1 - HART St Ives Criteriums (Manly), Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland)

*  Dec 1-3 - Tour of Bright (Vic) 

*  Dec 2 - Etape Cyclosportive (Jindabyne), Sprint Grand Prix #2 (DGV)

*  Dec 3 - Heffron Park (Waratah Masters), Mt Ku Ring Gai Criteriums (Northern Sydney)

BICISPORT TRAINING RIDES THIS WEEK

*  Nov 27, 29 & Dec 1 - Centennial Park Loop from 8.00am to 9.30am

*  Nov 30 - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ 10.30am @ Spruce Goose Cafe Centennial Park

*  Dec 2 - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe (Coffee only) @ 9.30am  

BICISPORT CHRISTMAS RIDE ON 17 DECEMBER

The BiciSport Christmas Ride departs from the Piemonte Cafe Terrey Hills carpark at 8.00am on Sunday 17 December. A 90 minute loop around Akuna Bay then it is coffee back at Piemonte from 9.30am. All welcome. 

Gent 6 Day 17 Belgium - The Kuipe Velodrome in Gent is the home of the 'Gent 6' and is just 166 metres per lap which makes for exciting racing

News Shorts - 20 November

PILU CHARITY RIDE on 26 NOVEMBER

*  Pilu Freshwater Charity Ride on Sunday 26 November - This is is a great morning ride in support of a great cause. Start at the Sticky Bottle bike shop 212 Pittwater Rd Manly. Meet at 6.30am then depart 7.00am to Church Point & back to the Pilu Restaurant at Freshwater. Entry fee for the Church Point ride is $20, and the morning tea at Pilu Restaurant is $20. All proceeds go to the Bear Cottage.  For pre entry go to   https://www.trybooking.com/SYZM

BiciSport Christmas Ride is to be held on Sunday 17 December from the Piemonte Cafe carpark at Terrey Hills at 8.00am with an Akuna Bay loop & coffee back at Piemonte Cafe

BICISPORT CHRISTMAS RIDE ON 17 DECEMBER

*  The BiciSport Christmas Ride is a chance to catch up with friends and enjoy a good coffee. The Santa Grand Depart is on Sunday 17 December from the Piemonte Café Terrey Hills carpark at 8.00am, then the Akuna Bay loop  & returning to the Piemonte Cafe for coffee at approximately 9.30am. All welcome.

Bundanoon Highland Fling 17 - Mike Lawson took a Masters category win at the final ever Highland Fling by some 14 minutes over the 125k distance. Mike won the first Fling held in 2005 and book ended the last. 

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  White Bay Criterium @ 18 November - A strong BiciSport gruppetto lined up across the grades on a new innovative course at the White Bay Marina. The weather was poor and there was a high 'did not finish' percentage across the grades. A grade - Stewart Campbell 10th, B grade - Dean Gale 7th, Mike Foster 13th & Richard Bjorkmann 16th

RACING THIS WEEK

*  22 Nov - Heffron Park Criteriums

*  24 Nov - HART Criteriums St Ives (Manly CC), Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland)

*  25 Nov - Illawarra Track Open, Great Victorian Bike Ride (Vic)

*  26 Nov - ECR Enduro (Waratah Masters), Cyclosportive Giro Bella Donna (Healesville, Vic)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  23 Nov - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ 10.30am @ Spruce Goose Cafe Centennial Park

*  25 Nov - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe Terrey Hills (coffee only) @ 9.30am 

*  26 Nov - Pilu Freshwater Charity Ride (see details above)

BICISPORT IN FLANDERS 2018

*  BiciSport in Flanders 2018 is on again from 20 March to 9 April 2018 and includes a basket of Flemish semi Classics plus the usual Belgian Classics of Dwars Vlaanderen, E3 Grand Prix, Ghent Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix.  For those BiciSport riders doing the Ronde van Vlaanderen & Paris Roubaix cyclosportives entries are now open. For further details contact Mike O'Reilly via email at bicisport1@gmail.com 

BiciSport in Flanders 18 - nothing beats the Koppenberg except maybe a long walk

News Shorts - 13 November

Los Angeles 17 - Mike Smith (BiciSport Master) with Daniel Rickard  

Tour of Tasmania 17 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) wins Stage 1 of the Tour of Tasmania and pocketed a handful of classification jerseys

MIKE SMITH AT THE WORLD MASTERS TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

*  Mike Smith (BiciSport Master) has had a stellar track career and the World Masters Track Championships just concluded in Los Angeles netted another World Championship in the Team Sprint with fellow Aussies in Daniel Rickard and Gavin White. Mike also picked up the Bronze in the individual Sprint (only beaten by the eventual winner Ainars Kiksis in the semi finals). We look forward to Mike's performance in Melbourne in late February at the National Masters Track Championships. 

Los Angeles 17 - Mike Smith (in the Masters World Champions jersey)  for the Team Sprint Gold

Los Angeles 17

Los Angeles 17

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

* Tour of Tasmania @ 6-10 November - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) had a first class ToT. Prologue - 10th @ 9secs. Stage 1 - 1st & took the Yellow Jersey. Stage 2 - broken chain 55th @ 8min 42secs. Stage 3 - 9th @ 42secs. Stage 4 - 40th @ 40secs. Overall - GC 26th @ 8min 38secs, Sprint Classification @ 3rd, Hill Climb Classification @ 2nd, Team Classification @ Mobius 1st 

*  Albury Wodonga CC Tour of Aldonga @ 4-5 November - Sue Tierney placed 2nd in D Grade and Graham Tierney 6th in C grade. 

*  Highland Fling @ Bundanoon @ 12 November - Mike Lawson rode the final Fling

Tour of Tasmania 17 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) on the charge in Stage 1

Tour of Tasmania 17 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) wins Stage 1

Tour of Aldonga 17 - Sue Tierney finished 2nd in D Grade

RACING THIS WEEK

*  14 Nov - Heffron Park Criteriums

*  17 Nov - Cycling Australia Annual Awards (Melbourne), HART Criteriums St Ives (MW), Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland)

*  18 Nov - Gosford Track Open (Central Coast), White Bay Criterium (near Anzac Bridge, Sydney),

*  19 Nov - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Mt Ku Ring Gai Criteriums (Northern Sydney)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  16 Nov - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ 10.30am @ Spruce Goose Cafe Centennial Park

*  18 Nov - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe Terrey Hills (coffee only) @ 9.30am

Cycling Australia Awards 17 Presentation Lunch - Julie Speight is inducted into the CA Cycling Hall of Fame and John Crouchley (BiciSport Coach) is a special guest being the coach of Julie Speight

News Shorts - 6 November

London 17 - Mike O'Brien (BiciSport Master) is now a London (UK) resident and kindly sent this shot of his favourite local training ride. Mike is now in training for the BiciSport Flanders 18 trip in March April that includes the Flemish Spring Classics. 

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Three Peaks Challenge (Cradle Mountain) @ 5 November - James Thornton (BiciSport Master) completed the 3 Peaks Challenge in Tasmania with Anthony Colantonio

*  Tour of Tasmania @ 6-10 November - Good luck to Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) who competes at the Tassy Tour this week. Follow the action at www.touroftasmania.com

*  Bear Cottage Charity Ride @ 26 November - This popular charity ride is organised by Gio Pilu (BiciSport) for a great cause and runs from Manly to Church Point and finishes at the Pilu Restaurant at Freshwater. Note your diary for 26 November with further details to follow shortly. 

RACING THIS WEEK

*  6-10 Nov - Tour of Tasmania (NRS) with Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius)

*  7 Nov - Heffron Park Criteriums

*  10 Nov - Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland), HART Criteriums St Ives (Manly)

*  11 Nov - Highland Fling (MTB Bundanoon), Scody Cup (DGV Track), Heffron Park Retro Criteriums+Show

*  12 Nov - Bass Coast Classic Cyclosportive (Inverloch, Vic), West Head Road Race (Manly), Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Shimano Criterium Series (Launceston), Ourimbah University Criterium (Gosford).     

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  8 Nov - Piemonte Cafe Terrey Hills @ 11.00am (for Akuna Bay Loop)

*  9 Nov - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ 11.00am @ Spruce Goose Cafe Centennial Park

*  11 Nov - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe Terrey Hills (coffee only) @ 9.30am 

News Shorts - 30 October

Masters Road Championships 17 - Anthony Colantonio lines up in the Individual Time Trial

Masters Road Championships 17 - Ian Grainger at the M8 Criterium at the Nerang Criterium Circuit. Australian legend from the 1970's Danny Clark took the M8 win

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS - MIKE FOSTER takes CRITERIUM SILVER & JORDAN REIZES ROAD BRONZE at MASTERS NATIONALS

*  National Masters Road Championships @ Gold Coast @ 27-29 October - A good sized BiciSport peloton trekked north. The courses used were test events for the Commonwealth Games cycling program to be held in April 2018. Individual Time Trial @ 27 October - M1 ... Jeremy Hopson 10th @ 26min 12secs, M5 ... Matt Coy 15th @ 26min 12secs, M6 ... Mike Foster 4th @ 25min 53secs, Anthony Colantonio 13th @ 27min 15 secs, M8 ... Ian Grainger 9th @ 29min 41secs.

Criteriums @ 28 October @ Nerang Criterium Circuit - M1 ... Jeremy Hopson 9th, M4 ... Dean Gale 16th, M5 ... Matt Coy 7th, M6 ... Mike Foster 2nd, Anthony Colantonio 18th, M8 ... Ian Grainger 11th.

Road Races @ 29 October - M1 ... Jeremy Hopson 11th @ 1min 04secs. M4 ... Dean Gale 12th @ 46secs. M5 ... Jordan Reizes 3rd @ 2secs, Matt Coy 14th @ 2secs, M6 ... Anthony Colantonio 12th @ 37secs, Mike Foster 17th @ 37secs. M8 ... Ian Grainger 12th @ 6min 2secs. Alex Simmons assisted with Commissaire driving in the road races. 

*  Tour of Gippsland (NRS) @ 19-22 October - Peter Livingstone rode for Team Mobius

RACING THIS WEEK

*  Oct 31 - Heffron Park Criteriums

*  Nov 3 - HART Criteriums (St Ives), Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland) 

*  Nov 4 - National Junior Track Series  NJTS (DGV)

*  Nov 5 - Sydney to the Gong Cyclosportive, Heffron Park (Waratah Masters), Calga Time Trials (ATTA), Peaks Challenge Cyclosportive (Cradle Mountain, Tas)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Nov 2 - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 10.30am @ Spruce Goose Cafe

*  Nov 4 - Moorebank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe Terrey Hills (coffee only) @ 9.30am 

Lombardy 17 - The most picturesque Classic of the year is the Tour of Lombardy held around the shores of Lake Como in mid October, passing the Church of the Madonna Ghisallo

Lombardy 17 above Lake Como

News Shorts - 16 October

Mike Smith (BiciSport Master) took the Gold medal in the Teams Sprint and the Bronze medal in the individual Sprint at the World Masters Track Championships in Los Angeles 

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS - MIKE SMITH TAKES GOLD & BRONZE

*  World Masters Track Championships @ Los Angeles @ 8-15 October - Congratulations to Mike Smith (45-49 category) who took the Gold Medal in the Team Sprint (in 48.5secs) then the Bronze medal in the Sprint, followed by 10th in the 750m time trial in 51.675secs. Anthony Colantonio (50-59 category) qualified 6th in the 3000m Teams Pursuit, then finished second in the Points race heat (for eventually 15th in the Points final). Congratulations to both Mike & Anthony on a job well done.  

*  NSW Sprint Grand Prix @ DGV @ 14 October - Damien Bottero featured at the Sprint GP Round 1 and looks forward to s successful track season 

*  Spring Cycle Criteriums @ 15 October - Report to come

RACING THIS WEEK

*  17 October - Heffron Park Criteriums

*  18-22 October - Tour of Gippsland (NRS - a Criterium Series ? They can't be serious ! )

*  20 October - Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland)

*  21 October - Judgement Day Criteriums (Eastern Creek Raceway) 

*  22 October - Bowral Classic Cyclosportive, West Head Road Race (Manly CC), Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters)  

*  21-22 October - Wagga Track Open

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  For details on BiciSport training rides contact 0417 403 244

*  16 October - Piemonte Cafe (coffee only) @ 10.30am

*  18 October - DGV Track Training - resumes with John Crouchley in early November

*  19 October - Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride @ 10am @ Spruce Goose Cafe Centennial Park

*  21 October - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe (coffee only) @ 9.30am

DGR starts from the Spruce Goose Cafe every Thursday in Centennial Park @ 10.00am until 11.00am

         Bernard Thevenet rides to victory through the French Alps in the 1975 Tour de France

News Shorts - 9 October

Damien Bottero (BiciSport) will be a starter at the NSW Sprint Grand Prix Round 1 at DGV this coming weekend. 

                                                    Results at www.mastersworldsla.com

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Great Divide Open @ Gunning @ 7-8 October - Division 1 - Conor Tarlington finished 29th @ peloton finish. Peter Livingstone DNF. Division 2 - Lachlan Haughey punctured in the car park and was a DNS. Division 3 - Jordan Reizes took a great win. Matt Coy 33rd & Simon Lempriere 35th (both a peloton finish). Simon featured in the break of the day which at one point had a 3 minute lead and only caught near the finish. 

*  Heffron Park Criteriums @ 3 October - Rolly Delaytz took an excellent win 

*  World Masters Track Cycling Championships @ Los Angeles @ 8-15 October - Follow the results of Mick Smith & Anthony Colantonio at www.mastersworldsla.com

*  Peugeot 504 featured on Ride Media - Ride Media has again featured the Herve 404 & Bernard 504 retro car story at www.ridemedia.com.au 

RACING THIS WEEK

*  8-15 October - World Masters Track Cycling World Championships (Los Angeles)

*  10 October - Heffron Park Criteriums

*  13 October - Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland) 

*  14 October - Melbourne to Warnambool Classic (NRS, Vic), NSW Sprint Grand Prix # 1 (DGV)

*  15 October - Mt Ku Ring Gai Criteriums (Northern Sydney CC), Spring Cycle Criteriums (Homebush), Spring Cycle Cyclosportive (Homebush), CyclingNSW Presidents Forum (Canada Bay, Sydney), Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Ourimbah University Criteriums (Central Coast)

Felice Gimondi 17 - A delightful retro feature of an Italian legend at a recent Gran Fondo in Italy. The legend, the jersey, the bike, the retro team car from that era. Where is the coffee ? 

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  9 October - NSW School Term starts so traffic congestion is back !!!!

*  11 October - DGV Track Training @ 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  12 October - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ 10am @ Centennial Park Spruce Goose Cafe

*  14 October - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe Terrey Hills (coffee only) @ 9.30am 

*  15 October - Ku Ring Gai Chase Loops (cnr Myall Rd & Ku Ring Gai Chase Rd) @ 9.00am  

VALE DICK PARIS

*  Another week passes as does another great Australian cycling icon in Dick Paris (St George CC). Dick's career was very much sourced in the 1970's when the NSW and National Road Championships used the Centennial Park circuit on a regular basis. He had a lethal road sprint and if the race ever came down to a 'bunch kick' then he was a sure fire bet to take the victory. Talented on both the road and the Velodrome, Dick won several National Elite Track Championships to add to his National Elite Road Championship victory plus selection to the Commonwealth Games in 1974 with another Gold medal in the track 1000m TT.  RIP Dick.      

HIGHLAND FLING ... ITS A FINAL WRAP

The MTB Highland Fling has its final (yes, final !) romp through the Bundanoon region over 11-12 November

News Shorts - 2 October

Italy 17 - BiciSport Master Gladiators (Joc Young, Ian Grainger & Karl Hoad) made it into Milan with a Police escort no less (maybe they were being arrested and didn't know it ?). The charity ride was from Sicily to Milan over 20 days.     

Stelvio 17 - Ian Grainger pictured near frozen on the Stelvio Pass some 8k from the summit. The ride was from Tirano up the valley to Bormio then the Stelvio Pass itself. Conditions were freezing at the summit (at just 1 degree) 

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Mick Chapman Memorial @ Kurri Kurri @ 30 September - Lachlan Haughey featured in Division 2 until a puncture ruined his day.

*  UCI World Masters Track Championships @ Los Angeles - Mike Smith & Anthony Colantonio compete in Los Angeles from next week.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  2 October - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters)

*  3 October - Heffron Park Criteriums (Eastern Suburbs)

*  6 October - Waratah Park Criteriums (Sutherland)

*  7 October - Tour of the Midlands (Vic)

*  7-8 October - Great Divide Open (Gunning NSW)

*  8 October - Western Sydney Dragway (Waratah Masters), Calga ITT (ATTA), Ourimbah University Criteriums (Central Coast)

*  8-15 October - UCI 2017 Masters Track Cycling World Championships (Los Angeles, USA)

BICISPORT TRAINING RIDES THIS WEEK

*  SMS 0417 403 244 if you want details on training rides below

*  2 October - Cromer Laps @ 7.30am-8.30am (Inman Rd, Middleton Rd, South Creek Rd)

*  4 October - Aerocoach Test Session DGV @ 10.00am @ Alex Simmons-Mike Lawson.

*  5 October - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ 10am @ Centennial Park 

*  7 October - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Cafe (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  8 October - Beaumont Rd Laps Mt Ku Ring Gai @ 9.00am-10.00am

Bowral Classic entries close soon, so don't miss out.

News Shorts - 25 September

Italy 17 - Ian Grainger, Karl Hoad & Jock Young (BiciSport Masters) are riding the 2,000k from Sicily to Milan on a charity ride in aid of the Duchenne 'Parent Project'. Duchenne is a type of muscular dystrophy. Dino Ferrari (son of Enzo) died from Duchenne disease. The ride is assisting to raise both awareness and funds. The team is pictured in Chiusu (central Italy). After Milan they head to Bormio and the Stelvio and Mortoriolo

Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters) on 24 September - Tom Green (BiciSport) took a fine win in a 2 man breakaway.

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Battle Recharge NRS Tour @ 22-25 September. A healthy 91 starters faced the gun for the Mens NRS Tour with a paltry 39 starters in the Womens event. Peter Livingstone (BiciSport) lined up with the Mobius team. Stage 1 Team ITT - Isowhey dominated with Mobius 2nd @ 1min15secs. Stage 2 Criterium - Peter 24th @ 10 secs. Stage 4 RR - Peter 5th @ 7min 5secs (6th on GC).  Stage 5 RR - Peter 14th @ 2min 32secs. Final General Classification 9th @ 7min 58secs.

VALE BRETT DENNIS

(by Mike O'R). Very saddened to learn of the recent passing of Brett Dennis in WA. Brett was an outstanding cyclist and represented Australia on the road on many occasions in the mid 1990's. I had the absolute pleasure of managing Brett at the 1997 Commonwealth Bank Cycle Classic as a integral part of the Commonwealth Cash Management Trust team. They were a great team of motivated individuals and Brett Dennis was central to the CCMT success during that Bank Classic. RIP Brett.  

                                         Brett Dennis

RACING THIS WEEK

*  30 September - Chapman Memorial (Kurri Kurri, NSW)

*  1 October - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Calga ITT (ATTA)

*  2-7 October - Orana Challenge Cyclosportive (Dubbo to Mudgee)  

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  Lower motor traffic this week as NSW Schools are on holidays

*  27 September - M7 Bikepath @ 70k @ 10.00am @ Bella Vista, and DGV Track Training @ DGV 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  28 September - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 10am

*  30 September - Meadowbank Bridge 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) from 9.30am

*  1 October - Beaumont Rd training laps from 9.30am-11.00am

News Shorts - 18 September

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  RAW @ 15 September @ DGV - David Browne, Graham & Stephanie Cockerton have featured for most of RAW 17. The final winter RAW round was held on 15 September and David Browne finished 3rd in Division 2 with Graham Cockerton 7th. BiciSport finished 9th (from 34 clubs) in the RAW series Club Pointscore.

*  NSW State Handicapping News - Robyn Sprouster (State Handicapper-BiciSport) is now working on the ACT State Handicaps for the 2018 road season. This will greatly improve the consistency of ACT handicaps (in NSW road races)  

RACING THIS WEEK

*  23-24 September - ACT National Capital Tour

*  23-25 September - Battle of the Border Recharge (NSW-Qld border)

*  24 September - Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters), Sunbury Road Race (Vic, VRS)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  20 September - M7 Bikepath @ 70k @ 10.00am @ Bella Vista, and DGV Track Training @ DGV 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  21 September - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  22 September - NSW School Term ends ... traffic lighter next week

*  23 September - Meadowbank Bridge 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) from 9.30am

*  23 September - Beaumont Rd training laps from 9.00am-10.30am

BEAUMONT ROAD RECOVERY RIDE

Bob Green (BiciSport Master) in centre of shot returned to Beaumont Road Mt Ku Ring Gai for his first ride in a few years courtesy of "an interesting period of active discussion with his local doctor on not just a few health issues". Bob met up with Daniel Vanchop (left) from Northern Sydney CC.  The picture above is very much greetings to Eddy, Maria & Maarten Verhulst in Belgium.  The next 'post op' Beaumont Rd training ride is Sunday 24 September from 9.30am-11.00am.

BEEN A GOOD WEEK - BOWRAL CLASSIC 2016 WINs TOURISM AWARDS

*  The Bowral Classic 2016 picked up two prestigious tourism awards at the Australian Event Awards on 9 September in Brisbane - being 'Best New Event' and 'Best Community Event'. Congratulations to all those who contributed to this success including several BiciSport volunteers - Alex Simmons, Peter Davis, John Crouchley & Robyn Sprouster. The next Bowral Classic is set for 22 October 2017.

BEEN A BAD WEEK

(Written by MO'R) - Recently had a long discussion with Rob Arnold (of Ride Magazine fame) on the current state of play. To say Rob was far from happy would be an understatement. On top of that received an interesting email the other day on membership fees - where it was openly admitted in the email that 'Australia wide racing membership continues to decline'. Decline ? What the ... ?. It was odd to read such a chilling statement and more than telling as the conventional wisdom over the last seven years has been two pronged, namely ... 1. more overall membership equals more revenue and 2. cyclo-sportives are 'the' growth segment for selling yet more memberships (meaning yet more of that important revenue).  With Australia wide membership now 'going off' and the cyclo-sportive strategy 'crowded out' by private promoters who now dominate this cyclo space then it begs the question as to where to from here ?. If that sounds like the mother of all budgetary storms then you could be right ... look no further than the recent World Championship team selection fiasco where team spots went unfilled. Domestically things could not be more painful with the flagship NRS (Not Really Special nor Sustainable) now in serious decline with numerous races cancelled (and other stage races transformed into a criterium series !!). Maybe its all fake news but ye suspect not. Forget all the marketing bling for early next year with the taxpayer funded Gold Coast medal-feast ... 2018 is set to be a super tough year on the domestic racing scene.        

News Shorts - 11 September

Wall 17 - Jordan Reizes (BiciSport Pilu)

Wall 17 - Mike Foster (BiciSport Pilu)

Wall 17 - Matt Coy, Dean Gale & Richard Bjorkman (BiciSport Pilu)

Wall 17 - Ian Cocks (BiciSport Pilu)

Wall 17 - Conor Tarlington (BiciSport Rauland)

Wall 17 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius)

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Wall Handicap @ 10 September @ West Head - A solid BiciSport contingent lined up for the annual Wall Handicap over five laps of the West Head circuit. Peter Livingstone took fastest time.  

*  NSW State Handicapper Appointment - Robyn Sprouster (BiciSport) has been appointed the NSW State Handicapper for the next two years.

*  Caravello Peloton from Sicily to Milan - Ian Grainger & Joc Young (BiciSport Masters) are currently with the Caravello peloton doing 80k-120k per day from Sicily to Milan. Report to follow.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  16 September - Calga Road Race (Central Coast CC)

*  16-17 September - Otway Tour (Vic, NRS)

*  17 September - Amy's Otway Classic Cyclosportive (Vic), Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Mt Ku Ring Gai (Northern Sydney CC)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  12 September - Centennial Park @ 10.00am. Contact Mike O'Reilly 0417 403 244

*  13 September - M7 Cyclepath over 70k @ Bella Vista @ 10am Contact Mike O'Reilly 0417 403 244

*  13 September - DGV Track Training @ 3pm @ John Crouchley

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

*  16 September - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

Tour de Bello 17 - Lachlan Haughey & Stewart Campbell on the final day of the Tour De Bello at the Bonville Golf Course near Coffs Harbour

News Shorts - 4 September

MTBA National Cyclo Cross Series - Mike Lawson (BiciSport Master) takes the Masters M8 category series  

Tour de Bello 17 - Stewart & Mirelle Campbell at the bottom of the Dorrigo Mountain near Bellingen

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  National Cyclo Cross Series @ Melbourne @ 26-27 August - Mike Lawson (BiciSport Master) took two victories at the National CX Series over 26-27 August and accordingly took the National Series award for Masters M8 (4 wins from 4 starts)

*  ATTA @ Calga @ 3 September - Kirsty Flanagan finished 28th from 40 starters in 45min 43seconds

*  UCI World Masters Track Championships www.worldmastersla.com @ Los Angeles @ 8-15 October - Mick Smith (BiciSport Master) is attending the LA Championships in search of another Rainbow Jersey in the Sprint category.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  5-10 September - UCI World MTB Championships (Cairns, Qld)

*  9 September - Calga Road Race (Central Coast)

*  10 September - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), West Head Handicap (Manly)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  6 September - DGV Training @ 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  7 September - Distinguished Gentlemens Ride @ Centennial Park @ 11am

*  9 September - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) from 9.30am

Thursday in Centennial Park from 11am until 12.15pm. All welcome

TOUR DE BELLO - 31 AUGUST to 3 SEPTEMBER   

*  A good sized peloton lined up for the inaugural Tour de Bello training camp hosted by Alex Simmons at Bellingen. The 4 day camp enjoyed the cycling freedom & excitement that comes from a major freeway development that renders the old highway system a totally new cycling adventure.    

Tour de Bello 17

Flanders 17 - After a puncture in Belgium .... as you are chasing back to the peloton sitting too close to the Flanders team car does have its challenges

News Shorts - 28 August

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  UCI Gran Fondo World Championships @ 25-27 August - Race results for Anthony Colantonio, Graham & Brett Cocks can be found at www.albi2017cycling.eu . Anthony was classified 135th (from 234 finishers) and Graham classified 86th (from 94 finishers). 

*  RAW Track @ 25 August - David Browne twice went podium

RACING THIS WEEK

*  3 September - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Calga ITT (ATTA)

*  5-10 September - UCI World MTB Championships (Cairns, Qld)

ROAD SAFETY ALERT - COWAN to HAWKESBURY BRIDGE

*  The stretch of the Old Pacific Highway from Cowan to the Hawkesbury River Bridge has been a safety concern for several years due to motor bikes speeding in both directions near Pie in the Sky Café at the top of the Hawkesbury Climb. If you cycling in that region its best to be off the Old Pacific Highway after 8.30am in the morning (especially on a Sunday).   

BICISPORT TRAINING RIDES THIS WEEK

*  30 August - DGV Track Training @ 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  2 September - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

*  31 August-3 September - Tour De Bello Training Camp with Alex Simmons. 12 cyclists have taken up the inaugural Tour de Bello challenge with a ride report to be posted next week.

UCI Grand Fondo World Championships 17 in Albi France - Anthony Colantonio (BiciSport Master) teamed up with Peter Budd (Griffith CC) at the Albi Cathedral

Flanders 17 - Stage 2 of the Tour of Easr Flanders on 17 August at Adegem near the Ursel Air Force Base and the weather is total rubbish ... its cold, its wet & thoroughly miserable and the urban landscape is equally bleak. Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) is doing another cracker of a ride and 50k into the stage its time for another long walk to the Feeding Zone to assist Peter each lap. Then out of the gloom comes none other than 1970's Belgian cycling legend Michel Pollentier (above) and after a long chat Michel is up for a selfie. Michel won the Tour of Italy in 1977, the Tour of Flanders in 1980 and achieved the podium twice in the Tour of Spain. The 1978 Tour de France was another story altogether.     

Michel Pollentier won the 1977 Tour of Italy

News Shorts - 21 August

Tour of East Flanders 17 Stage 2 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) after 150k of racing full gas along tiny Flemish laneways in a peloton of 160 riders. The tough stage was run off in wet, dangerous & greasy conditions with numerous crashes. The Tour of East Flanders concluded on 20 August. The complete Flanders 17 diary featuring all of Peter's Belgian races is a scroll down to just below the News Shorts 17 July weekly update.  

Tour of East Flanders 17 Stage 3 - Peter (3rd in line) approaching the Beveren cobbles near Hassdonk

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Flanders 17 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) has concluded the Flemish escapade with the Tour of East Flanders finishing on 20 August. East Flanders results & pictures further below in the Flanders 17 diary. 

RACING THIS WEEK

*  25 August - RAW Track @ DGV

*  25-27 August - UCI World Masters Gran Fondo Championships (Albi, France) at www.albi2017cycling.eu  with BiciSport riders Anthony Colantonio, Brett Cocks & Graham Cocks

*  25-27 August - Tour of King Valley (Wangaratta Vic, NRS)

*  26 August - Sam Miranda Gran Fondo (Wangaratta Vic)

*  27 August - Heffron Park (Waratah Masters), Calga Caltex 100 Handicap (Central Coast) 

ROAD SAFETY ALERT - COWAN to HAWKESBURY BRIDGE

*  The stretch of the Old Pacific Highway from Cowan to the Hawkesbury River Bridge has been a safety concern for several years due to motor bikes speeding in both directions near Pie in the Sky Café at the top of the Hawkesbury Climb. If you cycling in that region its best to be off the Old Pacific Highway after 8.30am in the morning (especially on a Sunday).   

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  23 August - DGV @ 3pm @ John Crouchley.

*  26 August - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

Tourmalet 17 - Anthony Colantonio (BiciSport Master) en route to UCI UWCT Road Championships in Albi France took a diversion through the French Pyrenees.

D'Aubisque 17 - Anthony Colantonio having already climbed the Col du Tourmalet then the Col D'Aubisque was next on the bucket list

ROESELARE CYCLING MUSEUM - CYCLING IS a RELIGION

*  There are two famous cycling museums in Flanders - the Tour of Flanders Museum in Oudenaarde and the somewhat lesser known Roeselare Cycling Museum. Both offer an outstanding collection of cycling history on display. The current Roeselare museum is being rebuilt (to reopen in March 2018) and a temporary display is now open to view at the Roeselare Tourism Office which is itself located within the (disused) Fathers Church. The theme "Cycling is a Religion" (http://www.koersisareligie.be or www.wielermuseum.be) appeared somewhat odd when placed in the context of the lovely Fathers Church, but each to their own. It was certainly worth the visit.    

Roeselare Cycling Museum 17 - The main display featured numerous historical bikes & jerseys

Roeselare Cycling Museum 17 - the Eddy Merckx display featured his 1978 racing bike in the C&A professional team colours. The items on display in the Fathers Church are only a small portion of what will be on display at the new museum when it opens in March 2018. The Dwars Vlaanderen (Across Flanders) professional race will start in April 2018 from outside the new Roeselare museum.  

News Shorts - 14 August

MTBA National Masters Cyclo Cross Championships 17 - Mike Lawson (BiciSport) took the Masters M8 Gold medal

Rumbeke 17 - A nice shot of Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) attacking off the front of the Rumbeke Kermesse peloton on 7 August. Peter went on to finish 7th. The daily Flanders 17 racing diary can be found in the News Section below. The Flanders 17 diary concludes 20 August with the Tour of East Flanders for Under 23 riders from 16-20 August. 

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  MTBA National Cyclo Cross Championships - Mike Lawson took Gold in the Masters 8 category in Adelaide. Congratulations Mike. 

*  RAW Track @ DGV @ 11 August - David Browne took a grade win

*  UCI World Masters Road @ Albi France from 25-28 August - Best wishes to the BiciSport Masters at Albi ... Anthony Colantonio, Brett & Graham Cocks

*  Recovery Ward - Lise Benjamin is soon to resume training after her 'off'' at Landsowne Park (broken ribs), Len Groen is back on the bike after his major 'off'', and Mike O'Reilly has resumed riding around Flanders after his stent operation. 

RACING THIS WEEK

*  18 August - RAW Track @ DGV

*  19-20 August - Cootamundra Weekend

*  19 August - Calga Road Race (Central Coast) 

*  20 August - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), Mt Ku Ring Gai Criteriums (Northern Sydney) 

*  16-20 August - Tour of East Flanders (Belgium). Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) winds up his Flemish season with five race days at the Tour of East Flanders.  

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  16 August - DGV Track training @ 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  19 August - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

RAW Track 17 @ DGV - David Browne (BiciSport)

RAW Track 17 @ DGV - David Browne & Graham Cockerton (BiciSport) lead the RAW peloton

Beveren 17 on 12 August - The Belgian fan club for Peter Livingstone (BiciSport Mobius) watching from the comfort of their garage near the Beveren finishing line. The cycling bookmakers were in attendance and had Peter on the betting sheet at 26.7 - meaning 26 to 1 for a win & 7 to 1 for a podium. Mikey Van der Stent placed a hefty 5 euros of the team budget on Peter for a podium place with 21st the end result. The Flanders 17 diary (see below) concludes 20 August.  

TOUR DE BELLO

News Shorts - 7 August

Flanders 17 - Peter Livingstone (BiciSport-Mobius light blue jersey in centre of shot) heads for the Jupiler beer tent (as you do) on the bell lap at the Oostkamp kermesse over 100k run off at a brisk 45+kph.  

BICISPORT MEMBER NEWS

*  Flanders 17 - Catch this weeks update on Peter Livingstone below in the Flanders 17 report. Peter has just finished a block of 4 kermesse races in 5 days - finishing with 12th at the hilly Overijse Kermesse just outside Brussels on 5 August. The last race of the Belgian sojourn will be the Tour of East Flanders for Under 23 riders from 16-19 August finishing in the local village of Maarke Kerkem (just 200m from the Kokerelle B&B).  

*  RAW Track @ DGV @ 4 August - David Browne took three 'top 3' placings at RAW

*  Coffs Harbour Cyclo Sportive @ 6 August - Alex Simmons competed the 60k option to Urunga and return   

RACING THIS WEEK

*  11 August - RAW Track @ DGV

*  13 August - Lansdowne Park (Waratah Masters), West Head (Manly)

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  9 August - DGV @ 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  12 August - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

FLANDERS 17 WITH PETER LIVINGSTONE

Flanders 17 - So you think the CyclingNSW State handicappers have it tough ... try being one of three bookmakers taking bets at the Oostkamp kermesse with 112 starters. The minimum bet is 5 Euro and the numbers on the right of each rider's name denotes the win-place betting odds - 25.6 means odds of 25 to 1 for the win and 6 to 1 for a podium.  Not every rider who starts is listed on the betting sheet (being Flemish helps). Don't you think these bookmakers take a real keen interest as to who gets in the winning break with 4 laps to go. 

News Shorts - 31 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

*  Tour of Flemish Brabant @ 26-30 July - Peter Livingstone's results at the recent Tour of Flemish Brabant near Brussels are posted below in the Flanders 17 update. It was a gruelling 5 days of crosswinds, rain, cobbles and more crosswinds.

RACING THIS WEEK

*  4 August - RAW Track @ DGV

*  5 August - Victorian ITT Series (Wangaratta, Vic)

*  6 August - Eastern Creek Raceway (Waratah Masters), Calga ITT (ATTA), Coffs Harbour Cyclosportive Challenge

BICISPORT TRAINING THIS WEEK

*  2 August - DGV @ 3pm @ John Crouchley

*  5 August - Meadowbank Bridge @ 7.30am, Piemonte Café (coffee only) @ 9.30am

FLANDERS 17 WITH PETER LIVINGSTONE

Brabant 17 - Peter Livingstone had the full support of the ASFRA-Flanders Cycles management team of John (mechanic), Dino (soigneur) and Patrick (Sports Director). The ASFRA team won both the Sprint & KOM jersey at the Tour of the Flemish Brabant.

Brabant 17 - the ASFRA - Flanders Cycles team stayed at an old Franciscan Monk monastery near Leuven (built 1948 last used 1994 as a full monastery). The monastery now offers budget accommodation for tourists, sporting & business groups. Go to www.laforesta.be for a look at a unique accommodation offering. 

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.