Facebook feed | Geelong & Surf Coast Cycling Club

2 days ago

Wow! Ballarat put on some great weather for their Ron Rivette Classic Open Race! A special shot out & Congratulations to Jesse Cropley for an amazing win over some strong competition! Congratulations to Sharon Boyd for a strong ride taking out 2nd Woman across the line! Sorry to hear a racer had a fall with some injuries. Speedy recovery Anthony! Well done to all our members who participated in the race supporting our friends at Eureka. Hope you had a great race & some yummy food! Next open is here at GSCC on 23 Open! Details on Entryboss. Open to all 30+ Auscycling members. entryboss.cc/races/12655SUN SHINES FOR MASTERS - IT'S OPEN SEASONCROPLEY BOLD ATTACK FOR CLASSIC WINHEATHER REAPS MORE EUREKA PRIZESBrilliant sunshine greeted riders for the Shane Cook Homes 2022 Ron Rivette Classic.Three late scratchings left a final field of forty nine riders to contest the 55 kilometre Masters handicap on the Ercildoune (extended) circuit, in what can only be described as perfect cycling conditions.There was an air of excitement at the clubrooms, as riders milled around waiting for the pre-race brief which was delivered by commissaire Graeme Parker.Out to the start line and commissaire Bill Goldfinch greeted riders at the start line, then soon enough the Limit (20 mins) bunch was away and the 2022 Ron Rivette Classic had officially started.Down through the first turn and Limit was already under pressure, with one of their number drifting off the back of the bunch. A few kilometres later and it was just Dennis Shaw, Aoife Read and Renee Clapham left at the front of the race...The other groups had all gotten away and the typical lack of cohesion that we often witness at Opens was realised in most bunches. The early cobwebs were blown out by the time each group had passed through the Avenue of Honour crossing (just 5 kilometres into the race).Limit were 15 kilometres into the race when Scratch rode through the crossing...The race headed out along Ercildoune Road into a light west breeze. Each bunch powering along without any significant changes in the gaps between them.The breeze shifted slightly to the south west as the race turned onto Black Bottom Road. This aided the groups and the weaving and undulating nature of Black Bottom Road helped to hide the bunches from each other. Fatigue was starting to set in as they closed in on the halfway mark of the race, causing some bunches to fracture and lose riders.Our intrepid Limit trio still had the race lead at the halfway point as they turned onto Beaufort-Waubra Road and started climbing the hills on their return eastwards. Second Limit (16m 30s) with Heather Hamling and Sharon Boyd were closing fast on the climb, however they were down to just four riders...Out of the trees and back into sunshine they make the catch and for the moment the front group has seven riders... at least until the road turns up again...The 13 min group was next on the road. Peter Livitsanis, Brian Ure and Peter Lamb represented the home team, with visitors Dale Clune, Anthony Franzmann, Huon Bertino and Noel Said all still in the mix. Their number had swollen to nine - having picked up two of the riders dropped from Second Limit. The back of the field was compressing rapidly as they raced onto the early hills. The 6m 30s group was being driven by Clark Livingston, Brad Bullock and Tony Giuliano, with Eureka’s Jason Birch, Tony Mirabella and Darryn Reed in the pack. They were just a few hundred metres behind the the 9m 30s group, which still had a full compliment of eight riders, including local riders Shaun Martin, Glenn Ford and Mark Hogan helping the likes of Tim Anderson, Raelene Lesniowska and Chris Cahill.Just a short way back was the remnants of Second Scratch (3m 30s) with Darren Roberts the only visitor amongst a host of locals - Stu Brien, Michael Pierce, Paul Tabbitt, Dayne Pearce and Jason Hendry.It’s not a long wait until Scratch also reach the hills and the group is immediately under pressure with the likes of Nick Locandro, Shane Nankervis and Jesse Cropley turning the screws.The whole field is on the long straight climb to the highpoint of the race - Mount Misery - with less than four kilometres from the front of the race to the Scratch group! The climb is fast. The riders enjoy a cross tail breeze that has gradually strengthened throughout the race. For some this is the time to make their moves... for others, the extra pressure has just ruined a perfectly good Sunday morning ride!For Anthony Franzmann the day is about to become very memorable. His 13 minute group go over the top and are flying down the lee side of Mount Misery, when a touch of bikes results in Anthony crashing to the tarmac.This unfortunate incident takes the wind out of the groups sails and their race is effectively over as some stop to aid their fallen comrade, whilst others slow down only to be swamped by the chasing hoardes.With fifteen kilometres left in the race, the leaders are rocketing towards Addington, the chasers are rocketing faster and Scratch is like lightning as they weave their way through and around the dropped riders. They can see vehicles ahead and know that they are closing on the race leaders. Down through the sharp turn at Addington and Locandro lights the afterburners. Nankervis and Cropley respond quickest and follow the acceleration. They pass rider after rider as the climb up Edmonston Road blows groups apart.Within moments they have swept past the Second Limit group, however the head wind allows those riders to latch on to the faster men...The race turns downwards and speeds towards the sharp and tight left turn onto Weatherboard Road. Locandro and Co. catch a glimpse of a road marshal holding a slow sign aloft and shouting to slow down. They ease for the barest of moments, get through the tight turn and accelerate towards Avenue Road.Another tight and off camber turn sees them onto the tree lined Avenue of Honour. Another acceleration stretches the pack which has formed.Locandro and Co. can see the race leaders. With less than 10 kilometres remaining, the race is theirs to lose...Limit and Second Limit still have the race lead. They are just a half dozen strong, but they ride with purpose and belief. The dappled light along the Avenue makes for a day to remember. Our race leaders make the turn off Avenue Road. Quickly glimpsing to their left they see the fast closing peloton and realise today is not to be...Locandro and Co. swing onto Henderson’s Road, they are right on the heels of the leaders and then with four kilometres remaining they have the race lead themselves and are charging towards the final corner. Limit and Second Limit riders scramble to hang on, but for most there is nothing left in the tank and they’re grateful the end is nigh.The leading bunch is about a dozen in number. It’s a downhill run and they have a tail wind, so the metres tick by swiftly.A slight chance for a small breather as they brake before the final turn. They take it fast and the field lines out before another slight easing allows the pack to compact ever so slightly.Tactics are discussed by some riders, whilst others prepare their own plan. The final rise is nigh and a little over 500 metres remains when Jesse Cropley launches and opens a gap. The plans of many riders are instantly discarded as they respond to the attack.300 metres to go and Cropley is still clear over the final crest. The pack has blown apart. Nick Locandro looks to be the only danger. Darren Roberts unleashes his sprint and Jason Hendry is right there as well.100 metres to go and Locandro is eating into Cropley’s lead, but the Footscray (and Geelong Surf Coast) rider is still many lengths ahead and receives the chequered flag.Locandro is a clear second, before a cloud of riders fly through the line - Hendry getting the better of Roberts at the line, with Clark Livingston just behind.The riders keep crossing and it’s not long before Heather Hamling comes through in first place for the Masters Women. Sharon Boyd isn’t too far away and less than a minute later Aoife Reid rounds out the placings. All three in the top twenty placings overall!Now for the thank yous... of which there are many!!!Thank you to everyone who came out to witness the Ron Rivette Classic on this gorgeous spring day. Finally, after such a long time it seemed as though racing was back. It was a good day!**Eureka Cycling Club extends our best wishes to Anthony Franzmann for a swift recovery from his multiple injuries. Committee members were delighted to host Aoife (Anthony's wife) at a Ballarat cafe for afternoon tea and officially present her with the 3rd place trophy for the Masters Women category.Extra thank you to Eureka member Brian Ure for managing the roadside incident and calling for medical assistance!Unfortunately we did not receive enough entries to stage a standalone race for the Masters Women. Those eight athletes were gracious enough to accept an invitation to compete in the Ron Rivette Classic, which was reshaped as a combine event.Thank you to Shane Cook for his long term sponsorship of Eureka Cycling Club. We are proud to be able to stage these events with the financial support that Shane provides.Thank you to the team who delivered this event today. Without these people we simply cannot stage major events.Terry Collie - our man behind the scenes who manages permits which we need to raceSteven Crowe - media team leader and EntryBoss managerPeter Livitsanis - member of handicapper teamStuart Brien - refreshment coordinator and Master of CeremoniesRick Calvert - prize money, circuit setup and pack up and Tail CarJulie Connellan - club roomsLois Goldfinch - club rooms and registrationBill Goldfinch - Chief Commissaire and race convoyGraeme Parker - handicapper team, registration and Race CommissaireDave Peters - finish line assistantJames Knipe - road marshal, finish line video and race photographerPatrick Shaw - race convoyHelen McIntosh - road marshal and club roomsGreg Ley - road marshalGeoff Edwards - road marshalThe team at Ballarat East Rotary Club:Traffic Controllers - Charles Zhang and Dick ParryRoad marshals - Barry Burnett, Jeff Millar, Bob Ford, Robert Short, Jim Allen and Kevin NagleRon Rivette Classic (55 Km Hcp) results:1st - Jesse Cropley (Scratch), Footscray + GSCC2nd - Nick Locandro (Scratch), Ballarat + Eureka3rd - Jason Hendry (3m 30s), Eureka + BSCC4th - Darren Roberts (3m 30s), Coburg + Northern5th - Clark Livingston (6m 30s), St Kilda6th - Michael Pierce (3m 30s), Ballarat + Eureka7th - Shane Nankervis (3m 30s), Ballarat + Eureka8th - Tony Giuliano (6m 30s), Northern1st MW unplaced - Heather Hamling (16m 30s), ColacFastest Time - Jesse Cropley (Scratch) in 1h 17m 55s, ave. 42.9 KphMasters Women prizes:1st MW at line - Heather Hamling (16m 30s), Colac2nd MW at line - Sharon Boyd (16m 30s), Eureka + GSCC3rd MW at line - Aoife Reid (20 min), St Kilda4th MW at line - Renee Clapham (20 min), Eureka + BSCC5th MW at line - Rae Lesniowska (13m 30s), Coburg + NorthernFastest MW Time - Heather Hamling (16m 30s), Colac#ShaneCookHOMES#RonRivetteClassic#EUREKAcyclingPhoto: Aoife Reid presented with 3rd place trophy by Dean Wells (Race Director) ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook

Geelong & Surf Coast Cycling Club

3 days ago

Good Luck to all the GSCC members & friends who are racing tomorrow!SHANE COOK HOMES - RON RIVETTE CLASSICSUN TO SHINE ON MASTERSFifty two of the state's finest Masters cyclists will assemble at Learmonth on Sunday October 2nd for the 2022 edition of the Shane Cook Homes - Ron Rivette Classic.The home team (members of both Eureka Cycling Club and Ballarat Sebastopol CC) accounts for half of the field and will be led by local legends Tony Mirabella, Tim Canny and Dennis Shaw.Plenty of visiting riders are planning to make the race their own with big guns such as Jesse Cropley, Darren Roberts, Tim Bennet, Raelene Lesniowska and Heather Hamling all in with huge chances.Competitors will enjoy near perfect weather, with a light north breeze and plenty of sunshine forecast.The racing action starts at 10:45 AM...#ShaneCookHOMES#RonRivetteClassic#EUREKAcycling ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook

Geelong & Surf Coast Cycling Club

6 days ago

Supervet’s Racing: Today, we celebrated September's Birthdays, and boy there are a lot of them! We especially wanted to acknowledge our two GSCC legends Brian Long and Gil Wright who both turned 90 years young! Dave Phillip brought a homemade cake that was generously baked by his wife; Dave did the decorating I was told. Marcus organised two fitting $90 vouchers kindly donated by the Supervets. Next week we will continue the celebration with a lunch at the Mt Moriac Hotel after the race. (Please contact Marcus if you haven’t already RSVP) Now to the racing, 24 km Southerly winds with 35 km gusts challenged the 20 racers today! A few escaped hibernation or holidays to join us. Welcome back Cummo, Bill, Les, Allan, and Lew! Kent led the charge with a 25 min head start to Mal Kimpton the lone Scratchman. Ross, Murray, and Tony followed 5 minutes later, with the other Mal, Terry, and Lew (Cheeseman) chasing. The winning bunch with Tina, Rob, Graeme, & David left the clubrooms with the crosswind making the journey challenging. Losing Dave at the last turn around the 3 continued with (Mr, Handicapper I’m not fit Cummo) and Jim hot on their tails. Poor Allan must have eaten and drunk too much at Lord Howe Island losing contact with his bunch. I’m sure the holiday was worth it. Les, David, and Tony were in hot pursuit but could not quite bridge the gap set by “Mr. Handicapper”. Bill and Laurie almost stay away from Mr. WooHoo (Mal) but the final turn toward the finish line saw Mal reel them in for this last race until he returns from Bali. As Graeme, Tina, and Rob hit the headwind it became too much for Graeme allowing Tina to cross the line first with Rob in the second position. Thank you Mr. Handicapper and all involved in making racing possible. HIbernation time for me, in the hopes that Mr. Handicapper will forget I won today. Shhh, Bubby! 1st Tina Stenos2nd Rob Master3rd Graeme Wilson 4th Mark Cumming5th Lew Targett6th Jim Burzacott7th Dave Phillips8th Les Czerniszewski 9th Dave O’Dwyer10 Tony Peach Fastest time Mal Kimpton ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook

Geelong & Surf Coast Cycling Club

1 week ago

entryboss.cc/races/12693Entries close Thursday 4pm for this Sunday's Ron Rivette classic HC hosted by Eureka Cycling club. We hope to see big GSCC numbers! ... See MoreSee Less

Ron Rivette Classic - Mens Handicap - EntryBoss

entryboss.cc

EntryBoss

View on Facebook

Geelong & Surf Coast Cycling Club

2 weeks ago

Sunday 18th Ray Aldridge Handicap48km, Blackgate Rd, Forest Rd, finish Nobles Rd.Well to say it was windy is an understatement! With 22 entry's and 20 starters everyone earned a big kudos for having a good hot go. A day for the stronger riders Jesse Cropley showed us all again he is flying and in great form, starting solo off scratch 26 minutes behind the two limit riders Neil Maurer and Max Clayton and 2 and a half minutes behind three second scratch riders. With a super fats start with the strong westerly tail wind the out leg of Blackgate Road was a blast, not so much fun on the way back towards the club room and on towards Forest Rd, Misery Lane was at its best. The group gaps were reducing quite quickly with the stronger groups making up considerable time, Jesse was pushing hard into the wind as well as he could solo then catching the second scratch group before the dip along Forest Rd leaving Gary Blick behind with the handicapper giving Gary a challenging and testing day, to Gary's credit he finished the race strong as always. The limit and second limit groups combined with the pace being a bit two quick for Neil. Jesse, Shaun Thompson and Aaron D'arcy caught the third group along Forest before Gum Flats then with Brad Bullock these five rode through the field hitting the front on Larcombes Rd and staying together for a good tight finish. Well done to all who rode and a big thanks the the commissaire and all the marshals out on course in the wind.1st & FT Jesse Cropley 1:13:05 38.6km/h, 2nd Shaun Thompson (2.30), 3rd Aaron D'arcy (2.30). 4th Brad Bullock (6min), 5th David O'Dwyer (17min), 6th Tony Peach (17min), 7th Michael Papiernik (11min) 8th Tina Stenos (17min), 9th Paul Bubb (19min), 10th Huon Bertino (11min). Fastest Female (and welcome back) Jessica Douglas (11min)Eureka CC open races on the 2nd October, then the next club race on the 9th October.Click on link for full results - results.sporthive.com/events/PC2053904/races/6810136 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook