News

If you have any content to contribute then please email the Webmaster with your photo's, story, quote, link, coming event & the list goes on.

McDonalds Wagga Wagga have committed $30000 over the next 3 years to road racing. Tony Alchinger (McDonalds Wagga owner) presented long standing President Patty Robertson with a $30000 cheque today. The Wagga Open is now the McDonalds Classic.

The Wagga open was first contested in 1976 and was won by Mark Crowe. Current Australian Pro Rider Chris Suttons legendary father Gary Sutton took out fastest time in 1982 and 1983. Garry covered the 100km course in 2hrs 5minutes 20 seconds, average speed of 47.87km/hr. Ex-Pro rider Neil Stevens brother Brain Stevens took out fastest time in 1984. His time was 6 minutes slower the Garry the year before. This years addition of the race saw Stuart Shaw (Drapac/Porsche) take the winners cheque and the cheque for fastest time.

Tony has recently taken up the sport of cycling and has become an instant fan. Tony believes that cycling best represents the future of McDonalds Restaurants healthy choice options in Wagga. Cyclists are great ambassadors of a healthy life style, with a balance of exercise and good diet. Tony and the Wagga Cycle Club are excited at the prospects for the future and are looking forward to putting on a great event for all level of cyclists to enjoy. The McDonalds Classic is penciled in for the 2008 June long weekend. At this stage graded Crit's in the Central Business district and a 100km handicap race on a new course situated east of Wagga Wagga.

Steve Marks, Ellen Marks, Paul Fellows, Nigel Irvine and Sorcha Flett all traveled to Dunc Gray Velodrome on Saturday. Everyone rode well across the numerous events and finished in the places/money.

Despite the steady rain close to a 100 riders turned out on Sunday morning at McDonald's Fox Street to participate in the 2007Christmas ride. All where catered for with a 100km loop, 80km loop and 50km loop. After the ride, it was home for a shower and down to Romano's for some brunch, for some it turned into dinner.

The Saturday morning ride is still experiencing great numbers and the raffle list of names has grown to 90. Last Saturday saw a change in format with the fast guys going first along with those that wanted to challenge themselves by having a crack at riding in the faster group. The idea was that if they could not hang on then they can drop back to the slightly slower group behind. The philosophy was the same for the second group. The third group sweeps through and picks up all the stragglers. All reports say that it seemed to work well. Chris Long was the lucky winner of the McDonald's cycling kit, after about 20 names were drawn out of people that were not in attendance.

This year's Xmas stubbie ride will be on Fri 21 Dec 07 leaving from
Plumpton / Redhill roundabout @ 0530am sharp.

Spread the word!

Next years TDR is being organised and it would be great If we could get some feedback, good or bad. Please also share any ideas that you might have to make the event better. e-mail

Does anyone have an opinion on having Graded Scratch Races instead of Handicaps. Each grade would incorporate teams of 3 to 5 riders. As the Tour progressed a Team Leader would emerge and the rest of the team would perform domestic roles. The Scratch Race format would allow for a real Tour atmosphere. The overall prize would be focused more on the winning Team followed by the Tour winner etc. e-mail

Ten Wagga Wagga Cycling Club junior riders travelled to Gosford on the weekend of the 23^rd of November 2007 to contest the NSW Country Junior Track Championships. The young Wagga Cyclists dominated claiming a total of 12 gold medals, 6 silver medals and 4 bronze medals in the various age groups. In the under nine division Zach Marshall claimed three Gold medals in the Time Trial, Sprint and Scratch race. Zach also set a new country lap record in the time trial event. Bede Funnell also rode very well gaining bronze medals in the above mentioned events. Saxon Hodges also proved too strong in the Under Eleven’s Division taking a trifecta of Gold Medals in all disciplines. In the Under 13 Girls Division Edwina Funnell and Emma Apolony dominated sharing the places on the podium with Edwina claiming two silver and one gold medal and Emma taking two gold and one silver medal. Lucy Regan cemented her place as the best Under 15 Girl in the State claiming Gold medals in all three disciplines. In the under 15 boys division Matt Garlan rode consistently to take silver medals in all three events, whilst Tom Regan claimed silver in the Under 17 men’s scratch race in a very hot field of riders. Other riders to perform well were Dot Funnell in the Under 11’s division and Josh Apolony in the Under 17’s men’s division.

The Saturday morning Coffee Dash saw 45 riders participate. Unfortunately Craig Williams had a mechanical failure in the first 200 metres of start of the second half of the ride and crashed heavily. After a 15 minute wait Craig had an Ambulance trip to Wagga Base Hospital after suffering a nasty gash to the back of his upper right arm. Craig had some x-rays and spent the morning in Casualty. It was feared that he may have needed some surgery but in the end he was just stitched up and sent home. Despite the dramas unfolding behind, the rest of the bunch sailed along with the wind at their backs. Lionel turned up the pace to see just how fast he could go on Greg's Zipp's. It was scary fast but not fast enough to off load Carl. Carl, despite the best efforts of Hamo was the first back into North Wagga and got to toast his glory from the Sprinters Mug. Kerry Johnson was the lucky winner of this weeks McDonald's Jersey and Knix. If you would like a chance at winning some Skoda Cycling Kit then all you need to do is turn up at Trial Street Coffee Roasters make a donation into the Kids Cottage money box and you are in the draw. One small catch, you need to be at the coffee shop to win (We like to see the smile on the winners face). So, we will keep drawing a number until we get a winner.

Grab a pen and mark the calendar right now! Sunday the 16 Dec 2007 will see rides from all corners of Wagga Wagga come together to participate in either a 100km ride or an 80km ride. The 80km ride is for those that may have attended a Christmas party on the Saturday night and are a little hung over and or you would just like to go a little slower, all are welcome. The idea is that everyone will finish up back at Romano's for Brunch around the same time. There will be a prize for the Best Decorated Bike or Rider. The ride will start from McDonald's on Edward Street at 6.30am sharp. Don't be late or it will be a Christmas Time Trial. The ride is supported by all three bike shops and will see riders participate from all the Cycling Club's/Organisations in Wagga Wagga.

If you would like to come along then Please let Lionel Harmer 0418692241 and or Garry Skeers 0418693066 know for catering purposes.

Paul Fellows has had a successful Championship after taking Silver in the Kerian, Silver in the Team Sprint and Silver in the Sprint, Paul had a crack at the 10km Scratch race and finished 4th. I have not spoken to Paul but I am sure that the experience would have been fantastic considering that all the cream of Senior Australian Track cycling was there.

At this stage Ian Gunn, Sorcha Flett, Simon Haworth, Dan Uden and Lionel Harmer have entered for the Tour of Birght being held on the 1 & 2 Dec 2007. Ian Gunn has been training hard and is looking forward to the challenge ahead. This will be Ian's second tour. Sorcha Flett will have to face her demons after her huge crash last year on the decent of Towonga Gap. Sorcha confidence will be helped along by the fact that she is 10 times fitter this year and riding a new bike. Sorcha will also be riding as part of the Project Humming Bird Team. This will be Simon's third crack at the Tour and he hopes to crack the top ten. Lionel & Dan will be having their first go at the Tour.

The Saturday morning Coffee Dash was again a hotly contested affair. The last to give chase averaged 49.7km but it was all in vain as the lead group where first to order their coffee. Phil McIntosh was the first back in to North Wagga and got to toast his victory from the Sprinters Mug. Phil McIntosh got to draw the lucky winner of this weeks McDonald's Jersey and Knix and Anthony Parnell was the winner. If you would like a chance at winning some Skoda Cycling Kit then all you need to do is turn up at Trial Street Coffee Roasters make a donation into the Kids Cottage money box and you are in the draw. One small catch, you need to be at the coffee shop to win (We like to see the smile on the winners face). So, we will keep drawing a number until we get a winner.

Simon Haworth has placed 3rd in Sunday's Wagga to Albury. It was a Photo Finish between Simon and Greg Featonby for second. Tim Decker riding from Scratch took out 1st and fastest. It was a dramatic packed finish as Tim Decker did a victory salute over the line to then discover a Photographer standing in the middle of the Road. To add to the obstacle, two TV cameras were taking up half of the left lane narrowing the road considerable. Greg Featonby finished his sprint on the far left and had to steer violently to the right to avoid the Cameras and this happened at the same time that Tim Decker was trying to avoid the Photographer. Tim made contact with Greg and Tim hit the ground and slid into the Photograph. Simon managed to avoid the lot. 3 Wagga riders were in the hunt for the win. Steve Marks was on the front coming around the roundabout just before the finish with Ian Gunn on his wheel. Simon was on Ray Jarrett's wheel in about sixth place. Tim Decker riding from scratch only just made contact at the roundabout and started his sprint straight away. Ian ended up finishing 6th and Steve finished in the bunch. Sorcha Flett unfortunately broke a head stem and had to retire from the race. Lionel Harmer retired just short of Jindera after suffering severe cramping. Peter Treloar retired at the cutting out of Walla Walla suffering from cramps.

Over 40 riders turned out for the Coffee Shop dash. The front marks were reeled in with just over a kilometre to go and Dan Ferguson was the first rider back into North Wagga followed closely by Dirk Roshier. Dan got to drink from the Sprint King Coffee mug as his just reward. Garry Skeers was the lucky winner of this weeks McDonald's Jersey and Knix. If you would like a chance at winning some Skoda Cycling Kit then all you need to do is turn up at Trial Street Coffee Roasters make a donation into the Kids Cottage money box and you are in the draw. One small catch, you need to be at the coffee shop to win (We like to see the smile on the winners face). So, we will keep drawing a number until we get a winner.

RIDE Magazine have shown some interest in coming to Wagga Wagga to do a Coffee Culture article, stay tuned.

72 riders will be lining up on Sunday for the Wagga to Albury. Wagga CC riders, Ian Gunn, Steven Marks, Sorcha Flett, James Hogan, Lionel Harmer and Simon Haworth will be flying the flag for the club.

The Tour of Bright is being held on the weekend of the 1st and 2nd of December. At present Wagga CC members Simon Haworth, Lionel Harmer, Dan Uden, Ian Gunn and Sorcha Flett are going to make the trip. If you would like to join them contact Simon on 02 69 373 437 at work. You will need to stay overnight on the Friday and Saturday. Entry is $80 and you can enter online at the Victorian Cycling Federation Website. For the first time this year stage 3 on the Sunday finishes on top of Mt Hotham, 30km climb.

Paul Fellows has taken out the 2007 edition of the Wagga Golden Wheel and Wagga CC member Ellen Marks has taken out the Women's equivalent wheel race. The major events for the weekend were reschedule to Sunday after racing was cancelled due to rain on the Saturday. Racing was cancel again on Sunday due to rain but not till after the A list events were held. Unfortunately last years winner and current World Champion for the kilometre Thomas Palmer failed to make the final.

Ashley Humbert has returned from Italy and a month later tied the knot with long time girl friend Ellen Catto. The weather held out long enough for the ceremony to be held in the Botanic Gardens, It was a beautiful ceremony, with many of the guests traveling from around the country to attend. Ellen looked absolutely stunning in her Italian designed wedding dress, as did Ashley look equally dashing in his black suit. Ashley and Ellen are now honeymooning on the Gold Coast for the next week.

Long time Wagga CC member Dean Hart's daughter Deanne Hart married the man of her dreams, Brent Lucas on Saturday. A packed St Andrews Church were treated to a traditional white wedding and Brent was gob smacked when he saw his wife be to, Deanne dressed in white and looking like a super model walking down the isle with her extremely proud Father. Deanne and Brent are honeymooning overseas.

Aaron Kemps won the $50000 winner take all Crit in Noosa. Whilst Greg Dyde has finished 5th in the 45-49 Cat, Dan Uden has finished 26th in the 25-29 cat and Kerry Johnston has finished 7th in the 45-49 cat. 10 Wagga locals made the trip. Results

Despite the rain, Tri guys being away and the Track carnival being on, 30 rides still turned out for the Coffee Shop dash. The front marks were reeled in with less then a kilometre to go and Rohan Taylor was the first rider back into North Wagga. Rohan got to drink from the Sprint King Coffee mug as his just reward. Petrina Quinn was the lucky winner of this weeks McDonald's Jersey and Knix. If you would like a chance at winning some Skoda Cycling Kit then all you need to do is turn up at Trial Street Coffee Roasters make a donation into the Kids Cottage money box and you are in the draw. One small catch, you need to be at the coffee shop to win (We like to see the smile on the winners face). So, we will keep drawing a number until we get a winner.

Mick Marshall has finished 14th in the final of the point race in the final day of competition at the World Masters Championships held at the Dunc Gray Velodrome. Check out all the results here

Riders are out in numbers as the weather warms up. All are enjoying the great social atmosphere, the challenge of getting home with guns and a coffee or two afterwards. McDonald's Wagga has donated a cycling outfit to be given away each Saturday Morning. To be in the hunt for the cycling outfit you need to attend Trail Street Coffee Roasters and make a gold coin donation into the donation box. It is planned to present all the proceeds to Kids Cottage towards the end of Summer. Chris Munny was the lucky first winner of the McDonald's shirt and Knix.

There are currently 145 entries for the Golden Wheel weekend. Last years Golden Wheel winner and now World Champion Thomas Palmer has entered for the weekend. It should be a great weekend of Racing.

Ashley and Ellen arrived home from Italy last week and are settling back in prior to getting married in November.

Please be advised that the Wagga Wagga Cycling Club monthly meeting will be held this coming Tuesday night (2/10/2007) at 8 Hakea Place, Springvale. If you are not able to attend the meeting, but would like something raised please send through an email or alternatively give me a call, 0428 116038. The meeting will commence at 7:30 pm, apologies can be emailed or phoned through.

It's a Baby Boy

Jason Condon and his partner had a health baby boy, Monday the 17 Sep 2007. His name is Ayrton Condon.

Paul Clancy was crowned the A Grade Champion, Shane Way was crowned the B Grade Champion. Troy Brooker was crowned C Grade Champion and Petrina Quinn was crowned D Grade Champion, all the Results are Here.

Sonya Marshall has taken over the reins from Neil Pinto as the club's Secretary. Dean Hart has returned to the Treasurers position. Lyn Hart has taken over the publicity officer roll and Liz Regan is now the licencing officer. Meetings will now be held at Sonia's house at 8 Hakea Place Springvale

Go here for all the Winners and Grinners in the Club Trophy's and Awards and here for all the 2007 Club Championship results

Simon Haworth and Lindsay Jordan are both off to Port Macquarie this weekend to contest the NSW Masters State Championships.

Ian Gunn and Sorcha Flett contested a 100km scratch race from Mansfield to Oxley recently. Ian unfortunately crashed after 7 km in C Grade. Sorcha had a bit more luck and finished 4th after numerous attempts to get away for a solo victory.

There has been a change to the start time. The AGM will now start at 12.00pm and the Road presentation will kick off shortly after.

Ellen Marks has had an absolute cracker at Griffith. Ellen finished 2nd in stage 8 and then the points that she picked up consolidated her 2nd in the Best Female Category, Moved her into third spot on the Best Young rider category and moved her into the equal thirteen spots on GC. Ian Hume got in the money early and took out the hill top sprint on the way back from the turn. Ian Gunn was the highest placed Wagga CC rider finishing 12th and in the money. Albury/Wodonga CC took out the Barry O'Hagan Club Trophy for the 5th year running.

Shay Baker was the overall Tour winner and Allan Baker from Coota CC won the TOKEN carbon Wheels.

The Riverina Championships will be held on Saturday 22 September 2007. Graded Scratch Races and a Individual Time Trial, tell your friends. Ring either Bob Robertson 0269223659 or Steve Marks on 69213963 to enter

The LAST stage of the Tour De Riverina is this weekend. Get your entries into either me (E-mail) or Barry on 0269252404 ASAP.

The Road Presentation will be held at the RSL Golf Club again on Sunday 16 Sep 2007. The festivities start at 12.00 midday.

Sorcha Flett, Nigel Irvine, Dan Uden, Simon Haworth, Ian Gunn and Steve Marks made the trip to Coota to contest the 51st 120km Coota Annual. The limit markers had 45minute head start on scratch and the entire field was rounded up by the hill back out of Harden. A group of around 12 broke clear of the 100 + riders and set sale for the finish line and where never seen again. Steve Marks made the best of the chasing group and finished up the front to claim15th place. Joe Mc Donnell won the race.

Sunday was another tough day in the saddle with a 70km sprint around Coota's Suicide course. Sorcha, Simon and Ian where the only ones to back up on the second day. The Limit Markers had a 20 minute head start on Scratch. The Limit Markers claimed the day coming in with plenty of time to spare. Sorcha was in the hunt for a place but was swamped by her group coming around the final corner into the sprint. Lavington Panthers rider Aaron Moffatt attacked on the last climb of the day to ride away with Gavin White from Sydney. Gavin had a bit more speed and out sprinted Aaron. Other Riverina riders to finish in the top 10 where Ken Payne (Albury/Wodonga) and Kingsley Massie (Griffith).

Don't forget to get your votes in for the rider that displays plenty of Heart during a Club race. Please check out the Tiny Award page for more info.

Griffith are offering 2 days of racing on the weekend of the final stage of the TDR. There will be a 42km handicap on the Sunday at 9.00am.

For those that are not aware it's congratulations all round for Bill and Michelle Robertson. Michelle has recently been told that she is expecting with Twins. That's right two more little Robertson's riding around.

Sorcha Flett has placed 4th in the Elite women's road race over the weekend. The race was battled out in less than ideal condition, it poured rain for most of the race. Sorcha was happy with her race and tried on numerous occasions to get away. A Photo 1/Photo 2 of Sorcha in action.

Visiting rider Brent Skippen from Sydney has also had a ripper of a race and finished 2nd in the Elite Men's race. Brent is currently working as a doctor in the Wagga area until the middle of October. So in the true tradition of Wagga Sport we will claim him as ours.

Alan Baker from Cootamundra has won stage 7 of the Tour. Wagga CC rider Paul Fellows finished 6th. Follow the link on the left hand side for more info.

6 Wagga CC members will be lining up in this weekends 120km Coota Annual. Dan Uden will be lining up for the first time. Simon Haworth will be hoping to improve on his 4th place from last year.

The next stage of the Kidsons Cycles Tour De Riverina is closing in fast. Get your entries into either me (E-mail) or Barry on 0269252404.

Peta Stewart from Albury went home with the McDonald's cycling out fit and the winners cheque on Saturday after out sprinting Troy Brooker and Steve Taylor. Troy Brooker has made a welcome return to road racing after a long break and is starting his campaign on the coming Track season.

Ashley is set to return from Italy in early October and is preparing to marry his Fiancée, Ellen in early November. Ashley is currently building up some form ready for an onslaught on the late part of the road season. Ashley hopes to compete in this year addition of the Sun Tour. Ashley is also planning to have an all out assault on the National Road Championships at Ballarat in January 2008.

Simon Haworth and Jim Hogan are a couple of casualties of collisions with cars recently. Simon's was hit by a car a couple of blocks from home on a Thursday evening two weeks ago. The driver failed to give way to Simon at a T-section. Fortunately his injuries were only minor and he was able to ride again after 4 days off the bike. Jim Hogan was hit Monday by a car near the Kooringal shops. I believe that Jim has suffered a couple of broken ribs.

Mick Marshall has Soloed to Victory in the 60km A Grade Scratch Race Championship. Mick riding his new Trek for the first time, saw his opportunity and attacked the bunch with 8km to go. Mick opened up a sizeable gap and was never seen again.

New comer, Dan Uden underestimated his much younger competitor Brodie Pearce in the Sprint finish of the B Grade Scratch Race Championships. Dan was feeling pretty good about the finish until he saw young Brodie come spinning past to take the win.

C Grade was taken out by Michael Frogley in a close tussle with Greg Scott and the crafty, Dean Hart.

In the two women's races, Petrina Quinn proved to strong for Lyn hart and Lisa Scott in B Grade and in the A Grade women's event Sorcha Flett rode away on the first hill and cruised to an easy victory.

Entries closed this Saturday for the Coota Annual weekend. Get your entries in early or you may miss out.

The next stage of the Tour De Riverina is closing in fast. Get your entries into either me (E-mail) or Barry on 0269252404.

Ian Gunn has taken out the A Grade Individual Time Trial in a time of 38min 51sec for the 26 km. Ian's average was 40.15km/hr. The flatter course certainly suited strong man Mick Marshall as he took out second place. Simon Haworth rounded out the the top three.

John Hovious blitzed the field in B Grade with a time of 39min 27 sec for the 26km, average 39.54km/hr. Dan Uden was second and Johno Ham with a very respectable time was third.

Jeremy Smith was the winner in C Grade after clocking a time of 30min 43sec for the 18km course, average 35.16km/hr. David ham was second and Mick Frogley was third.

Senior Road Race Championships will be held on the 4 August 2007. There will be at least 3 Grade, A, B & C. If you want to ride in a higher grade than the one you have been placed in then please let some one know on the day.

14 Junior riders will travel to Bargo on the weekend to contest the NSW Junior Road Race and Time Trial Championships.

Get your entries into Marcus Dwyer: 0421068827 Email for this weekend race, 29 July 2007. Start Time 10.30am. Pre Entry by the Wednesday Before. Start at The Rutherglen Wine Experience (57 Main Rd Ruthglen- near Chiltern)-hosted by AWCC

Trent Jones, the 29 year old cyclist killed when hit by a truck in Mate Street, North Albury, on Thursday, has been described as an exemplary employee by staff of the Greater Southern Area Health Service.Trent has been described as diligent and committed, with a great sense of humour, and will be missed in the corridors and wards of Albury Base Hospital

Junior Road, ITT Championships & Senior ITT Championships this weekend. The Senior ITT will start at 2.15pm. A & B grade will ride 28km. C & possibly D grade will ride 14km.

Lucy Regan continues to show her class by finishing second in the under 13 girls category on the weekend. Lucy placed 2nd in all the road races, and finished with a triumph in the Criterium.

Ashley Humbert has recently finished the 6 day Tour Veneto. Ashley was only 37 seconds behind with a 24 km ITT to go. Ashley said that he did his best motor bike impression, averaged 48.3km/hr but missed out on winning the Tour by 15 sec. However he was real happy with the result after he lost form after a crash earlier in the season.

The Senior Club Road Race Championships have been moved to Saturday the 4 August 2004.

Ian Gunn has finished 6th in a wind and rain soaked Stage 6 at Cootamundra. Ellen Marks took out 1st female. Greg Scott, Netasha Pearse, Jim Hogan, Lindsay Jordan, Steve Marks and Simon Haworth were the Wagga CC members that made the trip Check out the Tour website for all the results here.

A number of Wagga Juniors are in Canberra contesting the Kowalski Junior Tour. Sorcha Flett is also contesting the Kowalski Women Tour. Sorcha is taking on the living legend herself, Kathy Watt whilst the Kids battle it out the best of the best.

The next race on the calendar is Stage 6 of the Tour De Riverina being held at Cootamundra this weekend. Get your entries into either me or Barry on 0269252404 ASAP.

The Tour kicks off this Saturday. SBS have a great website, check it out here. have a look at some of the videos. SBS have put together a few crashes from various Tours. Remember you can watch all the stages live on SBS.

This weekend will be 44km Individual Time Trial over the club course. The event will also include a concealed handicap. You are more than welcome to use all the Time Trial gear you can get your hands on and or you can ride your bike as is, standard bars etc. Normal start time, 2.00pm.

Ashley has finished pretty close to the sharp end recently. Ashley placed fourth in the Lanificio Campore. Check out the results and Video clip of Ashley coming across the line Here

Wagga CC member Brodie Pearse has taken 4th in Stage 5 of the Tour De Riverina. Brodie showed no fear taking on some very experienced riders and a bunch of more than 50 riders to take a well deserved 4th place. Brodie has now moved up to equal third in the "Best Young Rider" category. Jono Ham has also had a great ride finishing 7th. Go here for all the results.

The next race on the calendar is Stage 5 of the Tour De Riverina being held at Coolamon. Get your entries into either me or Barry on 0269252404.

Saturday's 44km Handicap saw the Scratch bunch manage to catch the Front markers for the second week in a row. Scratch have had their work cut out this year with the handicapper providing a real challenge each week. Last weekends win was only the third time this year a Scratch marker has won a race. The writing was on the wall early when Block lost one of their strong men Jason Condon just after the first turn (7km). Dirk Roshier was the next to crack after returning from a break and getting over a cold. Steve Franklin and Jono Ham dug deep and made it across to Jim Hogan, Lindsay Jordan, Ian Hume and Rob Housden. Scratch had themselves well organised and were doing time trial turns to try and get some recovery between efforts. Block and second Block made contact with the rest of the field just after the turn but Scratch were not far behind and you could see fear in the eyes of the rabbits as they tried to get themselves re-organised for the climb back over the cutting. The head wind back down Big Springs Rd was just what Scratch wanted. It slowed the Front and Scratch made contact with less than 20km to go. Sue-Yin Dunn was the lone limit rider still out front. Scratch went to the front and lifted the pace. Despite Scratch making contact riders continued to swap turns. Mick Frogley was keen to give the new wheels a work out in his first race back after a long break and rode strongly to the next turn. Graham Springett was also keen to test his legs before next weeks Tour De Riverina race and lifted the pace with the Back markers. Billy Higginson was also stirring up the pace after a long break from racing. Sue-Yin was unfortunately caught with 8km to go after a great effort by herself. The last turn was at the top of a short hill into a head wind. Scratch saw the opportunity to off load some passengers and attacked hard to the turn. A now reduced group where making there way along the last 7km with a cross tail wind. With Sue-Yin caught riders were a little less motivated to sit on the front. Simon Haworth launched a couple of attacks but was chased down by Steve Franklin and Steve Marks. The finish line came up pretty quick and Nigel Irvine led out with Steve Marks on his wheel. Young Thomas Regan pushed up onto Steve Marks wheels and level with Simon Haworth. Steve saw his opportunity and started his sprint with Simon on his wheel. Simon came around Steve with about a hundred to go and was never headed. Ian Gunn was the next best followed by Steve Franklin, Thomas Regan and Steve Marks.

Simon for his efforts was rewarded with an awesome McDonald's Scody cycling outfit graciously Donated by Tony Aichinger. Tony also made sure that all the place getters had a free coffee to enjoy after the race.

Wagga CC member Simon Haworth backed up on the Sunday and contested the Wagga MTB clubs 90min mountain bike race. Despite Simon's lack of technique on the down hill he managed to maintain contact and attacked the leaders Geoff Hale and Rohan Taylor early on the second of seven laps on the up hill section on the back of the course. Simon managed to steadily increase his led as each lap passed by and won the race by a comfortable margin. I have not yet seen the finishing results but I believe that Rob Housden also finished up high in the placing's. Sorcha Flett on a borrowed Mountain bike also had a crack and won the women's division despite having a crash that left her a bit short of breath after hitting her back on a large rock.

I have been given some photo's from the Wagga Open/ Microtech weekend I'll up load them shortly.

Legend Richard Vollebregt is currently contesting the Race Across America (RAAM). In case anyone has forgotten Richard broke the record recently between Perth and Sydney. As a result he was invite to the RAAM. Check out the RAAM website here. Richard is currently in 5th place and on the homeward stretch. Check out the field report 11 under videos. All Richard's crew are dressed up like Steve Irwin. Aussie Aussie Aussie.

Richard Vollebregt is the toughest man I know and a sporting hero. Make sure you shake his hand if you get a chance and I am sure he has a few stories to tell. He hates a beer to. I once hung out with Richard at a Mont 24hr race. The night before it started he drunk a carton of Tooheys Old and a 1/3 of a bottle of 750mm bottle of Scotch and sat till 3am in morning having a Trumpet blowing competition. He started the race for his team, gee did he look sick when he was running up the hill amongst 500 plus riders. He jumped on his bike and did a 20km lap coming in third behind Paul Rowney (Professional Mountain Biker). Did I mention that he is a Vet 3. Like I said a legend.

Stuart Shaw, a professional from the Porsche/Drapac Team has turned on a powerful display to add a Wagga Open (Sid Demmery Memorial) crown to his win at the Butch Menz memorial race last year. Stuart played with the Scratch bunch like a cat with a trapped mouse and pounced just out of Coolamon to bridge across to Block. Scratch did not give up and worked hard to also bridge the gap to the Block bunch + Stuart. At this stage the only thing not going to plan was that the 6 minute bunch where well organised despite being down to seven riders. The 6 minute group got across to the 11 minute group 6km up Brushwood road and had an average speed of 43.6km/hr at that point. The 6 minute bunch where happy to get some assistance from Simon Claringbold, Michael Cain, David Barrow and Ian Gunn. The 6 minute group then set sail in pursuit of the 16 minute and 22 minute groups. The 16 and 22 minute group where going to take some catching as the 16 minute group had put time into the 11 minute group up until the 6 minute group made contact. The 16 minute group contained the winners from the Haycarters weekend, Shay Baker and Christian Holder. Plus other strong men like Wayne Collingwood, Steven Marks & Bruce Giles. With 30km to go, the 6 minute group turned onto Old Narrandera Rd after a hard push into a head wind . The 16 and 22 minute groups had long since made contact with each other and where working hard to hold the back of the field off. The 6 minute group continued to push hard and where keeping the speed up over 40km/hr into the cross head wind and soon had the Front Markers in their sight. With 13 km to go the 6 minute group hit the front with Scratch and Block still nowhere in sight. The cross wind was making it very hard for riders to get a sit, resulting in the bunch reducing in size very quickly. With the win in sight, the now front group showed very little interest in the KOM deciding to keep what energy they had in reserve for the finish. A group of 9 or so riders crested the top of the KOM and blasted down the other side towards the finish, 7 km to go. Another quick look around and still no sign of Scratch or Block. Wagga CC hopeful's Ian Gunn and Simon Haworth had made the cut and where up for a home town win. With 4km to go the gloves where off and the attacks started. A rider got a gap and was working hard to stay away. Coota to Colac winner, Gerald Donaldson attacked the dwindling group and tried to bridge the gap to the lone rider out front. Simon jumped on his wheel but Gerald sat up. Then without warning a red flash (Stuart Shaw) went around the front runners in pursuit of the $800 dollars winners prize. Stuart had attacked Scratch and bridged a 1 minute gap by himself from the top of Malabo Hill (KOM). The follow car behind Stuart said that he was doing 55 to 60km/hr along the flat. Stuart kept the pace on and strung everyone out and was never headed. Anthony Sleeman (Coota CC) after a very strong ride looked to have second place sewn up but 1993 winner Raymond Jarrett and Ewin Williams came over him in the last few metres. Ian Gunn hung on for 8th and first local. Fabio Calabria was the next best of the Scratch bunch taking 2nd fastest time. Deborah Fagg won the first sprint prior to Coolamon and first woman rider, Steven Marks won the second sprint and the ever strong Simon Claringbold won the KOM and took 5th place overall. Results Photo's

Another glorious day greeted the riders on Sunday for the start of the Butch Menz Memorial. The ideal conditions certainly favored the Front Markers. So much so that First and Second limit came together and held off the rest of the field to still have a comfortable 45 second gap at the finish line. However, Block where on a mission and picked up a depleted 2.30 minute group & 6 minute group 7km out of The Rock. The pace was frantic as the large bunch swarmed like a pack of hungry Piranhas eating up all in their path. The spirit of the Scratch bunch must have been crushed as they saw the back of the field come back pass them off the turn like a bullet out of a gun. The pace stayed like that to the end. The middle groups were devoured within the last kilometre as the Block bunch sprinted it out for possible fastest time. As far as the win goes, all was in vein as the race was already won by the youngster Chloe Hosking's. The finish was cut throat as Liz Regan in her first open road race crashed along with a couple of others to miss the opportunity of winning her first open and become the first female to win the Butch Menz. Wagga CC rider Ellen Marks and Sorcha Flett were also up for the win. Sorcha was out of contention after avoiding the crash and Ellen capped off her race with a great 4th place. Another woman racer Deborah Fagg, backing up from the previous days race placed 5th. Chloe Hosking's victory was made that little be sweeter by being the first female to win the prestigious Butch Menz memorial 70km Handicap. As far as fastest time went, Anthony Bishop from the Block bunch was surprised with fastest time after the Block bunch put 1 min 30sec into Scratch. Daniel McIntyre from Albury/Wodonga CC took second fastest. Results Photo's

Ashley has started his assault on the second half of the season with a 9th place in the 152km GP Autozatti memorial elite road race. A rider from his team last year Podenzano won, Zanasca Luca.

The next race on the calendar is Stage 5 of the Tour De Riverina being held at Coolamon. Get your entries into either me or Barry on 0269252404.

Albury/Wondga CC have had a couple of changes to the Geoff Dixon Memorial Handicap being held on the 29 July 2007. The race is now 102km instead of 99km. The Start Time is 10.30am. You need pre-enter by the Wednesday Before. Entry is $15 dollars. Instead of the start being at Chiltern Primary School the start will be at "The Rutherglen Wine Experience" 57 Main Rd Rutherglen- near Chiltern. For more info contact Marcus Dwyer on 0421068827.

Club President, Paddy Robinson has announced that Wagga Motors has unfortunately ceased their 16 year support of the Sid Demmery memorial race. Wagga Motors have been fantastic supporters of the Wagga CC over the 16 year period and the club as a whole thank the Wagga Motors organisation for their generous support.

The Bridge Steakhouse has also declined the opportunity to host the presentation. The Bridge Steakhouse recently changed hands. The Wagga CC would also like to thank the Bridge Steakhouse for their long lasting support.

A new venue is being organised for the presentation and will be announced shortly.

They are 88 starters for Saturday's race. The race kick off at 12pm from the Pool at the back of the Charles Sturt Uni. Dirk Roshier, Sorcha Flett, Daniel Uden, Steven Marks, Glenn Ross, Jim Hogan, Simon Haworth & Ian Gunn will be flying the Flag for Wagga CC. Hats off to Canberra riders for there great support of the race, as half the field is made up of Canberra cyclists.

If you would like to help out in any way then please contact Paddy Robertson on 0269211773. Paddy is looking for Cars and Drivers.

They are 106 starters for Sunday's race. The race kicks off at 10am from the Collingulle Hotel. Paul Fellows, Ellen Marks, Netasha Pearse, first timers Jason Condon, Lynne Hart & Soo-Yin Dunn , Elizabeth Regan, Lindsay Jordan, Stephen Taylor, Greg Devries & Mick Marshall will have a set of fresh legs. Riders backing up on the second day will be Dirk Roshier, Sorcha Flett, Daniel Uden, Steven Marks, Jim Hogan, Simon Haworth & Ian Gunn.

If you would like to help out in any way then please contact Paddy Robertson on 0269211773. Paddy is looking for Cars and Drivers.

There is no Club racing this Saturday. There will be racing for Juniors on Sunday morning at Collingulle.

Wagga CC member Sorcha Flett is still leading the Female category in the TDR after stage 4 at Bellbridge. 15 Wagga CC members contested the event with Sorcha taking the first female prize. The next stage will be hosted by Tolland CC on 23 June 2007 at Coolamon.

Congratulations to Lucy Regan who took out overall honors in the U/13 Girls division on the weekend, 26/27 May 2007.

Check out some footage of a cyclist who is determined not to have the Saturday mornings training bunch catch him Here.

Here's some footage of what happens when you have to much caffeine in the system

Due to the longer distance and the dwindling daylight in the afternoons club racing will start at 2.00pm. Could all riders register by 1.45pm.

Stage 4 of the Tour De Riverina is being held this Sunday at Bellbridge. Get your entries in to me 0414909707 or Barry O'Hagan on 0269252404 ASAP.

Spoke to Ashley last week and he said to say Hi to everyone. His season has been awesome so far with a couple of wins and numerous other podium finishes. No news yet on a Pro Tour ride. There isn't normally to much activity this time of the year with contracts. Ashley's is hopeful of picking up a contract towards the end of the year. So he is hoping the second half of the season will be as good if not better than the first half. Ashley said that the Drug cloud hanging over the sport in Europe is having a really negative effect on sponsors and it's making it just that more difficult to securer a Pro Tour contract. Ashley said that he missed out on the 5 day Tour of Giro del Friuli Venezia Giulia due a nasty fall in one day race. Ashley said that another rider touched a wheel in front of him and he nowhere to go accept down. He said that he landed fairly heavily on his hip and put his pelvis out. Which required some specialist treat to get right. Ashley said that he caught up with Dave McPartland recently. Dave said that he won a race in Sweden just prior to seeing Ashley. Dave said that it was his first win since he won the National Crit title, so he was stoked to get a win. Ashley said that the new team (TATA) has been great. Ashley said that Ellen is well and spend 2 days a week learning Italian and the rest of her time traveling to races with Ashley and taking in the local culture.

My Crystal Ball is a little cloudy these days, so it would be great if you have done something and or you are aware of another member doing something news worthy to let me know.

The field was huge and the weather was great for this years running of the Haycarter/Coota to Colac weekend. Wagga CC member Jim Hogan had the most success picking up a 5th place on the Saturday and a 10th place on the Sunday. Sorcha Flett just figured in the money with a 12th place on the Sunday. The Coota Club had a great weekend with numerous club members figuring in the money. Tour De Riverina leader Shay Baker picked up a second place on the Saturday and won on Sunday, there goes the handicap. All the chasing groups had each other in their sights nearing the finish line. The back of the field missed the winners by a 100 metres on the Saturday and Sunday.

Don't forget entries for the Wagga Motors Open and Butch Menz Memorial close on the 27 May 2007.

8 Wagga CC members will be travelling to Cootamundra this Saturday to contest the 70km Haycarter's handicap & 7 Wagga CC members will be heading back to Coota on the Sunday to contest the 80km Coota to Colac.

Sorcha Flett has been asked to go to the next stage of Project Hummingbird. Sorcha will undergo a 3 months trial period before being considered for the intensive training phase of the project.

Dirk Roshier has finished 39th in the ITT championships. Check all the results out Here

There will be no club racing this weekend due to the running of the Junior Tour at Wantabadgery.

4 Wagga CC members contested the 24th Canberra Tour on the weekend. Sorcha Flett rode A Grade Women, Simon Haworth & Ian Gunn rode C Grade Men and Dirk Roshier took on Australia's and New Zealand's best U/19 men.

Dirk and Sorcha both rode the Time Trial on the Friday. The ITT was on an undulating course that presented a challenge. Sorcha finished a very respectable 36th out of 49 starters. Dirk got the chance to test out his new Cervelo P2K time trial machine & finished 46th out of 76 starters.

Saturday saw the heavens open up and rain fell for the start of the Tour. C Grade Men had 40 of the 98 riders crash on the descent into Uriarra Crossing on the first stage. Simon had attacked early into the stage and Ian rode across the gap to join him, so both where safely up the road and missed all the carnage. Simon finished in the front group and 2nd masters rider. Ian lost contact just after the last KOM but recovered to finish 38 seconds off the leaders. As a results of the crash 12 riders abandoned the Tour. Sorcha wasn't having a good day and found the pace a bit to much getting dropped just after the finish of the first lap. Sorcha showed her strength and only lost 13 minutes over the last 38km. The U/19 men's race pace was frantic resulting in riders spread all over the course, Dirk was not having a good day either and dropped away from the leaders.

Saturday afternoon saw sun shine come out for the second stage. There was a bit of drama when Simon missed the start of stage 2 so he had to chase the bunch for 5km to get back on but despite the stuff up finished in the front group and second Master on the stage. He was placed 6th on GC after 2 stages. Ian lost a bit of time on the second lap after a tuff day of racing. Sorcha had a better stage 2 and finished 40 seconds behind the leaders in a chase group.

The last stage on the Sunday was fortunately raced in the dry with the rain holding off until A grade men finished in the afternoon. The pace was on again in the 106km U/19 men's race and Dirk came in behind a majority of the field. I have not yet had a chance to speak to Dirk to hear what happened. Sorcha lost contact after the turn but to her credit only lost 10 minutes. Simon and Ian cracked on the last KOM 6km from the finish. Simon managed to get into the chase group behind a small break away group and finished 52 seconds behind the winner and 1st Master on the stage. Simon finished ninth overall & second overall in the Masters category. Simon, Ian, Raymond Jarrett (Cobram), Sam Ward (Cobram) & Greg Featonby (Albury/Wodonga) teamed together to win the Teams category. You can view all the results Here

Unfortunately the weekend saw a spate of crashes. The Women's B Grade race was abandoned after a crash saw 2 women hit by a passing car. One of the lady's is still in a serious condition and the other has been released from Hospital.

Orthodontics Wagga Wagga/Gwen French Memorial Junior 2 Day Tour is being held this weekend. If you have some time to spare and you would like to help out then please give Steve Marks a ring on 69213963. The Tour is being held at Wantabadgery for the first time. Wagga CC have made the move in the effort to make the course harder after comments in recent years said that the course was to easy. The facilities available at Wantabagery are also first class with quiet roads and a large hall incorporating toilets at the disposal of the Club. Go here for more info.

Ashley has placed 2nd in the 143km VITTORIO VENETO (TV) - 52° M.O. Frare De Nardi EL-U23 held on the 29 Apr 2007. Results Here

Just prior to that Ashley finished 4th in the PIAN DI SCO (AR) 5° Giro Del Pratomagno EL-U23. Check out the great video footage of Ashley in the sprint. Ashley is dressed in white and be patient as it takes a little while to download. Watch it a second time and will play continuously.

Now that the Road Season has kicked off it's time to get your votes in for the rider that displays plenty of Heart during a Club race. Please check out the Tiny Award page for more info

19 Wagga CC members travelled to Chiltern on the weekend. Ellen Marks was the best finisher in 10th place. Sorcha Flett still leads the woman's category. Shay Baker from Coota CC is leading the Tour by 1 point from James Rendell. 28 Riders from Wagga CC have contested the Tour De Riverina so far, great stuff.

Club Road racing has moved out to the Wool Shed near the T-section at the end of Big Springs Rd.

Ashley has won the Riva Del Garda. No one seems to have any answers to Ashley's power and ability at the moment, as he seems to be able to win at will. Ashley's whole team have had a great day with a team mate finishing 3rd and 4th. Check out the results here.

Ashley Humbert is starting to fire on all 12 cylinders after winning the 56^ COPPA ROMANO BALLERINI Boltiere. Ashley attacked his group with 3km to go and rode across to a four man breakaway 10 seconds up the road.. With 1 km to go Ashley attacked again and rode away from the rest to take a well deserved win. Check out the photo's & results here

Ashley backed up the next day to take second in the Milano-Tortona. Ashley took second in a two up sprint against his old team Col, Italfine Tecninox. Ashley won this very race back in 2005. Check out the results and Photo's Here

Caitlin Brookes has won a race over the weekend in Bathurst. Caitlin, Isaac Gilmore and Dirk Roshier went to Bathurst to contest the NSW Hill Climb Championships.

Wagga CC had some great success at Griffith, Stage 2 of the Tour De Riverina. Jamie Green was the highest finisher in 6th place. Brodie Pearse was 7th and Sorcha Flett was 8th, plus the first woman. Thomas Regan won the sprint on the way out. Other members to make the trip were Steve Taylor, Netasha Pearse, Jim Hogan, Dan Uden, Greg Dyde, Greg Devries, Simon Haworth and Richard Moffatt. Sorcha has moved into the outright lead in the Best Female category. Jamie Green is equal third in the best young rider category.

Get your entries in ASAP to either me, Simon 0414909707 or Barry O'Hagan 69252404 for Stage 3 of the Tour De Riverina in Chiltern this Sunday.

Sorcha Flett participated in project Hummingbird on Sunday. The good news is that the she has done really well and registered a VO2 Max over 60, that puts her up in the Elite/Olympic Athlete level. Pretty exciting stuff. Sorcha finds out in a couple of weeks whether she moves onto the next stage.

Ashley has placed 7th in the Giro Del Belvedere Di Villa Di Cordignano over the Easter Break. Check out the results page Here.

Get your entries in to Barry (0269252404) ASAP if your planning on riding Stage 2 of the Kidson Cycles Tour De Riverina in Griffith.

Greg Scott won Easter Saturdays McDonalds Club race and in doing so was awarded a cycle shirt generously donated by McDonalds Wagga. 30 riders contested the McDonalds handicap. The front markers managed to get themselves well organised early and never allowed the back markers to get them in sight. See the results page for the other place getters.

The Club is holding a Traffic Marshall Course on the Saturday, 21 Apr 2007. Please contact Neil Pinto if you are interested in doing the course.

The Wagga CC are busy organising a new course for the Wagga Junior Tour. Watch this space for more details shortly.

Wagga CC member Sorcha Flett has been invited to the AIS in Canberra to participate in phase two of project Hummingbird. Project hummingbird is a National Talent Identification and Development Program. The vision behind Project Hummingbird is to develop a new generation of cyclists in Australia. Hummingbird is looking for very fast and agile females with a background in BMX, Motor-cross or Go-karting who want to take on the challenge of becoming endurance cyclists. good luck Sorcha.

Nigel Irvine contested the National 1000m Time Trial in Melbourne last week and Placed 5th. Nigel also contested the 3000m Individual Pursuit and qualified 3rd. Nigel finished 4th in the ride off for bronze, Well done Turtle. It's an exciting time for Aussie Track cyclists with the World Masters Track Championships to be held in Australia I believe in October of this year.

Legend Richard Vollebregt will be departing for America on the 5 June to contest the race across America to be held on the 10 June 2007. Richard if you did not know broke the record last year riding a bicycle from Perth to Sydney in 8 days 13hrs and 12 minutes. Richard smashed the previous record by more than a day. To add a little more to the story, Richard broke his collar bone 6 weeks ago at a track carnival and had to have surgery to repair the damage. His has been back on the bike for about 2 weeks. The Southern Highlands have organised a dinner/auction to be held at Vin Santo’s in Mittagong, on Thursday the 3rd of May starting at 6:30pm. Tickets are $35 a head. They have a number of items already for auction and are still on the pursuit of more.

Dirk Roshier has won 90km Mens B grade race in style after breaking away with 11 km of the race remaining. Ellen Marks has won the 45km U/19 women's event, whilst Netasha Pearse held on for Bronze. Brother Brodie Pearse also took Bronze in the U/17 men's 45km race. Steve Marks despite feeling good missed a break to finish out of the places. Masters B grade had over 40 starters. Simon Haworth contested the 90km masters A Grade event and just missed out on third by half a wheel to Robert Upton. Anybody that did not make the trip should pencil the Southern Division in for next year. It's a great day of racing with an exceptional level of competition. The event is well organised and the course is excellent. I would recommend the race to anyone.

For those that are interested Greg Dyde has finished third in his age group (45 to 49) over the weekend. Greg's time was 09:56:40, whilst the winner did it in 8.21.49. Jamin Forbes finished 9th (9:41:50) in the 35 to 39 age category. Jamin just beat Marcus Smith (9:42:44) who placed 10th in the same age category. Marcus was just ahead towards the finish and Jamin had to sprint it out with Marcus. Andrew Bruce finished 6th (9:53:20) in his age group, 40 to 44. Greg Deveries finished 74th (11:11:37), 40 to 44 age group. Shane McMullen finished 55th (11:41:00) in his age group, 45 to 49. Petrina Quinn finished 33rd (14:47:56) in her age category, 45 to 49. Go here for all the results of the Iron Man

Wagga CC Juniors had a very successful weekend at Dubbo. Check out the Newspaper report for all the details.

Saturday Club Road Racing will start at 2.30pm until further notice, The Club is also planning to hold a race on Easter Saturday.

With the Road season upon us it's now time to start voting for the Tiny Hart Award again. Go here for more details.

Simon Haworth along with Mark Wilson teamed up to win the Pairs category at the 3hr Mountain Bike race on Sunday. Mark and Simon had a comfortable 10 minute gap to second place. Not to bad for a Roadie and a Tri-athlete. Go here for all the results.

Thomas Regan has a Bronze medal to add to his growing collection after taking third place in the U/15 National Scratch Race Championships. Well done Thomas.

Stage 1 of the Tour De Riverina was Deemed a huge success. 104 Bike riders lined up for the start. The bunches where a health size, second limit had 25 bike riders. It was a bit of a stark contrast to 5 on block. The handicapper dragged limit one minute from last year after they got up in 2006. The field was all together with about 5 km to go when a rider got caught out by the crosswinds and lost control of his bike. The result was a 20 bike pile up. Paul Fellows was one rider to get caught in the crash. Fortunately Paul was all right. Lots of Wagga CC member made the trip to Stockinbingal. It would have to be the largest contingent of riders to travel that we have had in a long time. Congratulations to everyone that made the trip. Hopefully the other clubs will return the gesture and come to our stage of the Tour. Wagga CC Riders Ian Gunn and Simon Haworth Finished in the money and the points. Check out the Tour De Riverina website for all the results.

There was a great turn-out for club racing again, with 21 riders taking to the line. The wind certainly made racing difficult. However the Scratch bunch worked like a well oiled machine but just missed out by a matter of metres of catching the front markers. Dean Hart has made a return to racing and it was smile type moment to see Lynne Hart being towed along by big brother Dean in the sprint off the turn for home. We also had a great turn out of lady's again with I think at least 6 women taking on the challenge.

Southern Division Scratch Race Championships for all ages are on the Sunday the 1 April 2007. If you want to ride then I need to know now so I can pass on names Monday Night. Email or ring me 0414909707.

Club Road racing will be out at the same place as last week, Big Springs Rd Gregadoo. 2.00pm start. Distance 31km.

Wagga CC are leading the way with 6 Teams and entries for stage 1 have reached 100.

There was a great turnout at today's 31km club race. We had 5 women line up which was great. The club may be able even contemplate a separate women's club championship race, which would be awesome. The handicapper had his work cut out with all the new riders lining up and the new course. There was 6 bunches and the race was all together with about 7km to go. The pressure was on back to the top of the cutting. Bruce Giles attacked the bunch halfway down the cutting but ran out of steam. Steve Marks did another big turn on the front when Simon Haworth took over to lead the bunch out. Steve Marks got a little nervous and started his move down the left. Ian Gunn sensed it was time to go and launched his sprint with Adrian Hamilton and Illawarra rider Steve Franklin tucked in behind. Ian started from a long way out but had the strength to hold off Adrian Hamilton to take a well earned win. We had 22 starters which was great considering we still have a lot of people away. It look as if we are shaping up for great season of road racing. See results page for placings.

The seminar held at the Rules Club was deemed a success with opportunity to pass on some knowledge to new members. The results were obvious with smiles all round at the finish of the club race. I may look at running another session if we get a few more new members in the next couple of weeks.

Get your entries in for stage 1 of the Tour De Riverina at Stockinbingal this Sunday (18/03/07). E-mail me or ring Barry on 0269252404. If you and 3 mates want to put a team in then I need names before Sunday (18/03/07). For more info on teams and the tour go here.

We had a few members travel up for the NSW Masters track championships last weekend. Elizabeth Regan (Vet 1/2) finished 4th in the NSW Masters Time Trial Championships, 5th in the NSW Masters Sprint Championships, 2nd in the NSW Masters Points Race Championships and 2nd in the NSW Masters Individual Pursuit Championships. Nigel Irvine (Vet 2) finished 5th in the NSW Masters Time Trial Championships, 7th NSW Masters Sprint Championships and 4th in the NSW Masters Individual Pursuit Championships. Nigel rode off for the bronze after qualifying 3rd fastest. Bill Robertson (vet 3) finished 5th in the NSW Masters Time Trial Championships, 13th NSW Masters Sprint Championships and 11th in the NSW Masters Individual Pursuit Championships.

The Club race will be at the same venue as last week, Big Springs Road. Racing will start at 2.00pm for under 15 riders up. The distance will be 31km on an out and back course. To find your way to the start head south on Elizabeth Ave from the Airport. Drive to the end of Elizabeth Ave and take a left turn into Gregadoo Rd. Travel approximately 1km and turn right into Big Springs Rd. The start is approximately 1.5kms from the T-section. See maps one and two.

The training seminar will start at 11.00am sharp at the Rules Club (Fernleigh Rd) Board Room. All new and potential new member please attend. For more info ring Simon on 0414909707.

Wagga CC held its first Club Road Race for the season. Lynne Hart after years of watching everybody else having ago has lined up for her first road race. Lynne despite being effected by the warm weather rode the 31km in 1hr 10min. Jeremy Smith took line honors in front of Steven Taylor (2nd). Andrew Ham was 3rd, Andrew Tonkin was 4th and Caitlyn Brooks was 5th. Ian Gunn and Simon Haworth had there work cut out to try and cross a15.30min gap to the front markers. Steve Marks did a huge turn towards the finish line from the hill at the cutting and Johno Ham saw his opportunity and attacked the scratch bunch not far from the line. Ian Gunn counter attacked when Jono started to slow and sprinted for the line. Simon just managed to come round to take fastest time, 46.06min for the 31km. average speed 40.34km/hr

Wagga CC will recommence Club Road Racing as of the 3 Mar 2007 at 2.00pm. It would be great to see everybody out for what should be a great season of racing. The race will be starting on Big Springs Rd instead of the Airport road. You can ring Simon on 0414909707 for more info.

The Wagga CC will be offering a structured Training Seminar to all its new members on Saturday 10 Mar 2007. The seminar will cover the topics of Training, Basic Bike set-up, Diet, Pre-race preparation, Racing, Post race checks and of course where the best coffee shops are. The venue will be the Board Room at the Rules Club, FernLeigh Rd Glenfield. The seminar will start at 11.00am sharp and will go for approximately 2 hrs. At the conclusion participant will make there way to the start of the Club Race circuit at Elizabeth Avenue for some practical lessons on the do's and don't of road racing. New members will participate in a Club handicap race and will be coached by experienced riders from the club. All participants in the seminar will need to have a racing licence to Participate. You will need to contact Steve Marks on 69213963 and or ring Simon Haworth on 69373437 if you would prefer to get your licence on the Saturday prior to the seminar starting.

There has been a few changes to the Tour De Riverina. Click on the link here to see what's changed.

Thomas Palmer a form Wagga CC Junior now riding in the ACT has been selected to contest the U/19 World Track Championships. For those living under a rock, Thomas won the Wagga CC's 2006 Golden Wheel race handicap.

Goulburn have received some much needed rain. It has been well documented that Goulburn's dam has been bone dry for some time and the town has been on the highest level of water restrictions. So it was to the delight of locals that it started to rain as the warm up started for Goulburn's Annual Track Carnival last night. The night of racing was called of without a pedal turned in anger. Lets hope plenty of rain water flows into their dam.

Adrian Hamilton has spoken to Glenn Lollback, about business partner and friend of local cyclist Michael Commins who was injured near Junee on Saturday morning. Glenn informs me that Michael is in good spirits, but has a long road to recovery. He has scalp lacerations, a fractured jaw, and will soon have surgery on his back

As such Michael, and his family will be required to spend some time in Sydney. One way that we as cyclists may be able to help out, is to contact Glenn should anyone have access to, or knows of someone who has access to a house in Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, which Michaels family may be able to use. This is a big ask, but who knows what contacts there may be out there in the cycling community.

A crash in the warm up session for the Wagga carnival saw 2 riders taken to hospital. Local legend Bill Robertson said that one of the juniors clipped a wheel in front and lost control of his bike. A large bunch rotating around the track had nowhere to go when the riders went down in front. Bill went over the handle bars and sustained a heavy blow to his ribs but despite the injury carried on. As always the racing was fast and exciting with a very full program of racing for the two day event. Spectator were treated to some of the best junior riders in the country. Wagga CC's National representatives Ellen Marks, Netasha Pearse and multi medal winner Paul Fellow's helped out with the running of the carnival after a heavy period of racing resulting in all three taking a well earned break. Check out the Gallery for a few photo's taken on Saturday.

The Tour De Riverina is closing in fast so it time to start thinking about finalizing your teams. Tolland CC have moved their event from the 7 Apr 2007 to the 23 Jun 2007.

The Club is hoping to kick off the Road season in March, date to be advised soon.

It's with sadness that I write this report. A cyclist not personally known to me was hit by a Four Wheel Drive on the Junee/Bomen link road early Saturday Morning. I believe that his name was Michael Cummings. I have been told second hand that his Giant racing bike was broken into 3 pieces by the impact and that the Bullbar was torn from the vehicle. Michael has been flown to Sydney for treatment. Michael was not part of the Saturday Morning group. However it was suggested that he was riding from Junee to Wagga to meet the Training bunch. I hope that he has a speedy recovery.

Ellen Marks has had a great finish to her Nationals campaign finishing 6th in the U/19 Women's Points Race. Netasha Pearse has finished 4th in the U/19 Women's Keirin final after a 2nd in the heat. Well done to them both. Results Here

Paul Fellows has won Silver in the U/19 Keirin last night. Paul did it the hard way by having to fight his way through the repecharge after he finished 4th in heat 3. He then came back to run 2nd in the repecharge to make the final. See the results here and photo.

Paul Fellows has taken Gold along with Luke Davison and Peter Lewis in the Team Sprint. Paul and Co qualified second in the heats and went into the final as underdogs. The boys turned a less than 2 tenths of a second deficit into just over a tenth of a second win. See the results here and Photo.

Ellen Marks has finished 13th in the U/19 women Individual Pursuit Championships.

Thomas Regan has been selected for the NSW State Team to contest the up at coming Junior Nationals.

Lionel Harmer has given me a list of dates that they will be doing some long rides in training for the 1200km event in Paris during August of this Year. Check out the dates and contact numbers HERE

The opening race has been changed back to the 18 March 2007, Stockinbingal. The Tolland CC event scheduled for the 10 March 2007 has been shifted to the 7 April 2007.

The Wagga CC will be offering a structured Training Seminar to all its new members on the weekend of the 10/11 March. The seminar will cover all you need to know with regards to Road Racing. Details will be provided to new members prior to the date. Richard Moffatt will be in attendance to share his wealth of experience over the weekend.

Netasha Pearse has finished 11th in the U/19 500m Time Trial. Ellen Marks has finished 16th. Paul Fellows finished 8th in the U/19 Sprint Qualification. Paul then won his heat against Peter Lewis. Paul then lost to Byron Davis in the Quarter finals. He then rode off for 5th to 8th and placed 6th. Results Day 1, Results Day 2

The Wagga CC is holding a 40-50 lap Madison on the 14 Feb 2007 at the Kincaid St Track. The plan is that the handicapper will pair up riders once entries for the night have closed.

Ashley Humbert along with his fiancée Ellen will be returning to Italy tomorrow for the up and coming European road season. Ashley will have a two week training camp as soon as he lands in Italy with his new team prior to the team presentation. Ashley is hoping to have a big season, so watch this space.

Liz Regan in a very gutsy ride took first place in the hotly contested Sydney Cup on Wheels Women’s ORBEA Wheel Race beating home Rochelle Gilmore and Sky-Lee Armstrong. Not to be out done her son Tom won the Under Fifteen NSW Championship Gold medal in the twenty lap scratch race in which he rode an excellent race and was ably assisted by team mate Isaac Gilmore who gave Tom a brilliant lead out with two laps to go. Well done to them both. Mick Marshall also had a great result placing third in the Div 4 scratch race. World champion Keith Oliver was the winner of Mick's race. Netasha Pearse picked up a third placed in the Women's invitation Kerin race and a another third place in the DIV 3-4 Scratch race and again World champion Keith Oliver was the winner of Netasha's race. Naomi Pinto took a bronze medal in the NSW Individual Time Trial Championship and Sprint Championship.

A page has been created containing a Canteen Roster. See the link on the left hand side of the page

Paul Fellow has taken a Bronze in the Teams Sprint. Paul was part of an Australian team containing Peter Lewis and Luke Davison. On a sadder note Ellen Marks had a crash in the women points race and was left a little worse for wear. Paul, Ellen and Netasha will do it all again at the National Titles in 2 weeks time. Paul is being interviewed on Prime TV Wednesday Night, 24 Jan 2007.

The Dean St Crits scheduled for the 3 Mar 2007 have been cancelled. Another event is being organised to coincide with the opening of the new highway.

The Tour De Riverina is starting to take shape and the final details are being worked out. A teams element has been introduced for the first time. So get together with 3 friends, think up a team name and nominate. You can nominate a team via the Tour De Riverina Web Site Here. It would be great if everybody could get behind the idea and nominate a team. It doesn't matter whether you ride 1 or all 10 stages of the Tour. Teams are more than welcome to have there own team jerseys made up as well. If you're stuck and looking for a team then drop me an Email and I'll link you up with like minded people.

Track Championships will be held over three separate evenings being the 14^th, 21^st and 28^th of February 2007.

Congradulations to Ellen Mark, Paul Fellows and Netasha Pearse who have been selected to represent NSW at the National Track Championships. All three are poised to compete in the Youth Olympics starting this week. Check out the website HERE.

Track racing will re-commence on the 10 Jan 2007. Training kicks off on the 8 Jan 2007 at the Kincaid St track.

Cobram Barooga Cycling Club are holding a 50km Handicap Road Race with Good Prize money on Saturday 20^th January. The race is in support of the Fun in The Sun Ride being held on Sunday 21^st January. For further details contact Anne Austerberry 0358722918 or 0438959004 or Raymond Jarratt 0408329838. Entry is $12 Includes light Refreshments after the Race at the Barooga Sports Club.Registration From 3.pm main st Barooga, start time 4.PM. Entry form Here

XMAS Stubby Ride

53 Riders participated in the 5.30am Stubbie ride. It was a great display of the popularity of Cycling in the Riverina. See ya next year!

Ellen Marks has taken Bronze in the Individual Pursuit at Dunc Gray over the weekend & placed third in the Women's Wheel Race.

The Club meeting has been moved to the first Monday night of each month during Summer. The meeting will kick off at 8.00pm.

The Tolland Cycle Club has kicked off Sunday racing out on the Elizabeth Ave course. Racing starts at 8.30am Sunday's.

The Club has purchased a heap of Club clothing and Anne has got some Club socks in a summer material. So if you are after some Club stuff then see Anne ASAP.

The RSL Club has come on Board again with sponsoring the Junior and Masters Track carnival to be held on the 17 & 18 Feb 2007.

Lynne Hart has suggested that the Club purchase boxes of Chocolates again for members to sell at their places of work etc. The Idea is to raise money for any Juniors selected to ride the Nationals. Please see Lynne to get your box of Chocolates. The best place would be at the Track. Otherwise e-mail the webmaster and I will pass on your details.

Please register your interest with Mick Marshall if you would like to go as a group on a bus to the Junior State Track Championships being held in Dubbo, March 2007.

The Club would like to apologise to all that attended the Crit's last Friday night. Unfortunately there was a break down in communication. Steps are being taken to prevent another occurrence in the future.

Ian Gunn, Sorcha Flett and Simon Haworth went to the Bright Tour Last weekend. The was some tragedy with Sorcha having a serious fall descending Towonga Gap. Sorcha was trying catch up with the leaders when she failed to take a tight bend. Sorcha went over the handle bar and landed in a gully. She sustained injuries to her elbows and a serious injury to her left thigh. Sorcha showed her normal guts and determination and tried to remount her bike to finish the stage. A passing motorist distressed by Sorcha being covered in blood stopped and persuaded her to get in the car. Sorcha didn't initially realise that she had a serious injury to her leg. Sorcha was eventually taken to Wangaratta Hospital. She was released later that night stitched up and covered in bandages. Despite Sorcha's injuries she stayed for the rest of the weekend to cheer on her club mates. Sorcha also had to endue the fact that she wasn't able to go the India last Tuesday. The doctor said that she had at least 3 weeks before she should attempt to travel overseas. The club wishes her a speedy recovery.

Ian Gunn was happy with the fact that he was able to mix it with the front runners. Ian finished towards the front in 1st 108 km stage, missed out on a podium finish by 3 seconds in the 15 km Time Trial, suffered initially on ascent of Mt Buffalo but came back to finish close to the front runners again and discovered that he needed to ride a few more Criteriums after the field was blown apart in stage 4. Ian Finished a very credilble16th overall out of a field of 86 starters. A great effort for his first multi-stage event.

Simon Haworth was very happy with his ride despite an early crash in the 1st 108km stage. Simon had to chase for 20 odd km before rejoining the peleton only to run out gas going up Towonga Gap. Stage 2 15km T/T, Simon rode a good Time Trial to move up a couple of places from the mornings stage. Stage 3 50km, Sunday morning ascent of Mt Buffalo was fast. Simon managed to stay with the front runners for about 6km of the 26 km climb, climbing at a speed of 19 -20 km/hr. Simon recovered and rode at a steady pace to finish 18th and in doing so move up to 17th overall. Stage 4 was fast and furious 20min Crit with the 71 strong field being blown apart. Simon just made the break on the last lap but didn't have the speed to hang on in the last 50 metres and finished 7th.