CRMCC Weekly Bleat 29 September 2026

Crit Season 2026/27
Track Practice Session
Sutton Super Series update
Upcoming races requiring volunteers – race calendar can be found here

Crit Season 2026/27 – Race 001 Tuesday 6th October 2026

With the Criterium Season almost upon us it has been timely for the Committee to review several aspects of the club’s financial operations including the Criterium Season race entry fee, criterium season pass, and the volunteer credits.

The committee has done this review noting that we are in a reasonably sound financial position, however we want to ensure the club can confidently operate with a financial buffer that can accommodate any financial risks that may come to fruition, as well as invest in infrastructure and operational improvements that can add value to member’s experience.

The changes below come at a time where we’re seeing increased costs to the club, including venue, first aid, and the investment in training to help with self sufficiency for the club.

Criterium Entry

This will be the third season where the season pass will be offered, with take up in previous years being quite strong. The strength of take up, along with the significant discount to a full season’s potential fees, has contributed to diluting the club’s revenue, necessitating the following changes.

The 2026/27 season pricing structure will be as follows:

Single race entry – $12 per race
Season Criterium Pass covering all standard Stromlo Criteriums – $156

These rates continue to represent very good value for money with 25 races planned for the season.

Volunteer Credits

The club’s ongoing success continues to rely on volunteers – without volunteers we can’t organise or run races.

By way of background, the club has used a financial incentive for members who volunteer for a number of years. The previous process was to offer a honorarium, which was generally not taken up by all volunteers, and therefore did not create a significant financial burden on the club.

Last year the club switched from offering the honorarium for volunteers to a race credits system which was automatically applied to members to use against any upcoming race entry fees. The system provided a token reward for the volunteer’s time in helping run races. In the first year operating the cost of this system has impacted the running costs of the club by more 50% more than the previous honorarium system ($2,000 in 2025 to $3,100 in 2026). This is largely due to a concentration of members volunteering who then are able to offset their race fees through credits. The key statistic on this issue is that only 60% of members who raced in the last 12 months have volunteered in that time.

The club will continue the race credits for the foreseeable future, however the amount per role will be adjusted. 1 credit will equal one standard race entry.

For open road races, Race Directors, ETCs and van drivers will receive 4 credits each, and marshals 1 credit.
For closed circuit races at SDTC, SFP, or Dairy Flat Road, Race Directors will receive 2 credits, van drivers (where required) will receive 4 credits, and marshals 1 credit.

Clubs like ours cannot operate successfully without the help of volunteers, and we encourage all members to meet the minimum volunteer commitment of 1 race per year to maintain your membership status in good standing. We are not unique in the challenges of getting volunteers in our sport, but as a committee we hope that the spirit of volunteerism can help the club thrive into the future.

NARRABUNDAH TRACK PRACTICE SESSION

THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 5.30 PM – 7.00 PM

ALL WELCOME – DON’T MISS IT !!

Daylight saving will soon be with us, and that means MASTERS TRACK RACING!!!!!

The 26-27 track racing season will kick off with a Practice Session starting at 5.30pm on Thursday 8 October. There will be no racing. All interested riders are invited – particularly new riders and track novices. The practice session is free for CRMCC financial members and a great opportunity to give track a try!

Please register here for the free practice session https://rms.crmcc.org.au/

Please note that Narrabundah Track is a high-banked, oval track suitable only for conventional fixed gear track bikes with a high bottom bracket. We are unable to accommodate road bikes on this track.

Note:

+ Narrabundah track is located off Goyder Street in Narrabundah.

+ We welcome riders to try a high-banked track for the first time.

+ New riders can get practical advice on gearing, bunch riding & track etiquette.

+ Interested riders can try out a track bike (see note following).

+ Experienced riders can tune up the machinery & motor.

+ All riders can express their preference for events & races.

+ The practice session will be around 1hr 30 mins starting at 5.30pm.

+ There is no formal structure to the practice. We can assist with introductory training, if requested.

+ You can do your own thing, if you prefer.

A few basics on track etiquette for the practice session:

+ Use the designated track positions for cruising, tempo or fast pacing.

(The faster you ride the higher you should be positioned on track. Overtake outside other riders).

+ Hold your line – don’t make changes of speed or position unless you are clear of other riders.

+ Be very careful if you are crossing or moving on / off the track.

(It is your responsibility not to impede other riders in this situation).

+ Start from the fence and be aware of riders approaching.

+ It is best to wear clear or light tinted goggles.

(The shaded portions of track have very low visibility with regular sunnies).

+ All riders will need to be cautious, as there will be novice riders at the practice session.

Spare Track Bikes

We have spare track bikes if you are a novice and wish to try track racing or you just need a track bike. Note that you will need to bring your own pedals. You may need to pump up tyres (we will have a pump available) and adjust saddle / bar position. You will need to check over the bike for safety purposes. Although we will assist as far as practical, equipment safety and providing tools for fitting / adjustments is your responsibility.

Regular track racing will start on Thursday 15 October.

Each race session will cost $10, or purchase the season track pass for $80. The season pass is good value, as there are normally 17-19 race sessions per season.

Track numbers were down last season with a small dedicated track group and 16 riders participating over the season. However, why should they have all the fun. If you have thought about it, come and give it a try. We would like at least 5 – 10 more regulars this season.

Regards,
Graeme O’Neill

Sutton Super Series update

You may have noticed our final round of the Sutton Super Series is no longer listed on the calendar. It was scheduled for October, however, after we raised some concerns about the potholes and reflectors around the back of the course, the CEO of Sutton Road Training Centre wants to inspect the course himself and make an assessment on the suitability for cycling events to take place there. The CEO is currently away, so the assessment won’t happen until October. Once we get feedback as to whether we can race there again in the near future, we will let you know. Ideally, they will rectify the hazards or allow us to mark the hazards appropriately. In the short-term, our final round of the series is postponed until further notice.

Upcoming races needing volunteers

Please self-register as a volunteer, where you can put your name down against those roles marked ‘Vacant’ in this Google spreadsheet. We will follow-up and confirm your volunteering with an email from committee@crmcc.org.au
Thank you to those members who have offered their services to fill roles so our races can run. https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar