- Crit Season 2026/27
- Track Racing
- Road Race Report – Old Federal Highway Sunday 08 November
- Ride for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention in honour of Penny
- Crits Race Report
- Track Racing Report
- Upcoming races requiring volunteers – race calendar can be found here
Crit Season 2026/27 – Round 006 Tuesday 10 November 2026
Round 006 tomorrow evening at Stromlo Forest Park! See you out there! Pricing information below for those who still need to sort that out. Any questions, contact the Committee committee@crmcc.org.au
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 RACING – Thursday 05 November, 5.30 PM
The Program for Thursday is as follows:
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice.
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 8-lap graded scratch race.
6.20pm – 6.50pm: 200 Fly.
6.50pm – 7.10pm: 6-lap Win & Out.
7.10pm – 7.30pm: Italian pursuit.
Spare Track Bikes
We have several spare track bikes if you wish to try track racing. 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.
Attendance
Please register your attendance at https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar?5021932 . Each race will cost $10,
or purchase the season track pass at $80.
Road Race Report – Old Federal Highway – Sunday 08 November
There are few things more uniquely Canberra than standing beside the Old Federal Highway under a bright blue sky while desperately questioning every life choice that led you there. Despite the sunshine, a biting cold wind swept across the course, and a delayed start had riders clustered together in their bunches like Emperor Penguins on an Antarctic documentary, sharing what little warmth they could find before heading off into the elements.
A Grade was first off the mark, followed by B and C, while D, E and F rolled away together shortly afterwards. What happened out on course is difficult to report in great detail, largely because the combination of rolling terrain and a savage Lake George headwind appeared to be conducting a steady process of rider elimination. At every turnaround it seemed each bunch had misplaced another victim or two, scattered somewhere between battling the gradients and fighting the relentless wind.
A Grade produced a hard-fought contest with Matt McAuliffe taking the win after outsprinting Jason Irwin, while Andrew Foster rounded out the podium. Special mention goes to the luckless Tristan Dimmock, whose hopes of contesting the finish were cruelled by untimely mechanical issues.
B Grade started with a healthy-sized bunch, but four laps of attritional racing steadily reduced the numbers. Eventually the field resembled a string of determined individuals spread across much of the Federal Highway. When the dust, sweat and frozen fingers settled, Kurt Andrews claimed an impressive victory ahead of Jorge Robinson, with Tristan Fuge securing third place.
C Grade followed a similar script. The course and conditions gradually took their toll before Pietro Di Ciaccio (Visitor) proved strongest on the day, crossing the line with a comfortable advantage. Dean Chidgey finished second, while Ian Preston completed the podium.
D Grade suffered a couple of DNFs and a DNS before racing had really settled in, which conveniently resulted in the entire remaining field earning a podium position. Chris Nolan led the way with a commanding ride, ahead of Ben Harding, who elected to self-handicap by turning up on a gravel bike, while John Stokman completed the placings.
E Grade may have been a compact bunch, but there was nothing small about the challenge of the conditions. Alex Sommariva claimed first place, followed by David Gunther in second and Ian Morton in third, each earning their result through grit and persistence against the wind.
The sole F Grade competitor, Polly Templeton, deserves special recognition, producing a strong and determined ride while maintaining contact with many riders from higher grades despite facing the same brutal conditions largely alone.
Finally, a huge thank you to our volunteer team. Riders may have endured the wind while moving, but the officials, marshals and helpers spent the morning standing still in it. Their efforts keeping riders safe, managing the course and ensuring the event ran smoothly are greatly appreciated. Without volunteers willing to face conditions that most sensible people would avoid, there would be no racing at all.
Well done to all competitors who braved the Old Federal Highway, the rolling terrain and Lake George’s famous (in)hospitality. Hopefully everyone has thawed out by now.
Gareth Downey – Race Director
Ride for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention in honour of Penny
Simon Porombka is organising a ride in honour of his daughter Penny. Penny passed away by suicide on the 18/8/26.
Join us as we come together as a community for a “Do it for Penny” ride to raise awareness and support for mental health and suicide prevention. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or simply looking to support a great cause, everyone is welcome.
When: Saturday, 21 November
Time: Meet at 8:30 AM
Meet Point: Car park at the end of Dairy Flat Road, Fyshwick
The Route
We’ll ride together along Majura Parkway and the Federal Highway before stopping at Sutton Bakery for a well-earned coffee and catch-up.
Distance & Turn-Around Options
The full return ride is approximately 50 km, but there’s no pressure to complete the entire distance. Multiple turn-around points along the route make this ride accessible for participants of all fitness and experience levels.
Mental health affects individuals, families and communities across Australia. By riding together, we can help raise awareness, start important conversations and show support for those who need it most.
If you think of someone, they may need you that day. Send them a text, make a phone call. It might make a difference for that person.
Put it in your calendar, invite your friends and family, and join us for a great morning on the bike in support of a cause that touches so many lives.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Donations are appreciated but not necessary – link below.
Race Report Crits
Riders turned up even with the potential storm, the ducks were on track, the kangaroos were on standby and the wind was blowing hard. We were ready to race.
A/C grade headed out with dark clouds looming behind Stromlo. A grade saw repeated attacks and plenty of chasing, with riders being dropped off the back within two laps. Tristan and Moshy put in a solid attack as the wind began to pick up.
Dominator wasted no time attacking C grade on the first lap, quickly building a solid gap. C grade hesitated in their chase, and after a few laps it looked as though they had decided to leave Dom out in the wind. Dom continued to build his lead, stretching it to 20 seconds before the storm rolled in and the race had to be red-flagged.
The night was not lost, after patient riders waited out the thunder and rain.
D/E had a shortened 15 min + 2 and they didn’t waste a second. Keen to race, D/E worked together for the first 8 mins, losing Ross after that. Rob and Jonathan continued working in improving conditions.
D grade
Jonathan Chowns 1st
Rob Langridge 2nd
E grade.
Ian mortan 1st
Frank O’Sullivan 2nd
Ross Heazlewood 3rd
B graders who turned up were rewarded with full 32 mins + 2 laps of hard racing. Notable attacks from Lenny 10 minutes into the race and a stand up attack from Hughesy on the front straight. Some attacks were more subtle, with Nath Rickerby lifting the pace and pulling the group around for lap after lap of fast racing. Big last lap efforts saw Lenny Pooley 1st
Todd Sowter 2nd
Nathan Rickerby 3rd.
Well done to all riders, Thanks to first aid and volunteers.
Scott Bird – Race Director
Track Racing Report
Thursday 5 November saw the fourth track racing session for the 2026-27 season. The weather was
slightly cool with no wind – ideal for racing. Attendance (7 riders) was disappointing.
The session races and place getters were as follows:
8-Lap Scratch: (A Grade) John Paul De Sousa, Sarah Stephens, Chris Chant. (B Grade) Phil Coulton,
Ken Birch, Graeme O’Neill.
1-Lap Screamer (Flying Start TT): (A1 Grade) John Paul De Sousa (23.62s), (A2 Grade) Sarah Stephens
(23.82s), Chris Chant (24.70s), James Newhouse (26.23s). (B Grade) Phil Coulton (26.77s), Ken Birch
(27.69s), Graeme O’Neill (29.65s).
4-Lap Handicap: John Paul De Sousa, Sarah Stephens, James Newhouse, Chris Chant. Ken Birch.
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 2 (Sarah Stephens, Chris Chant, Ken Birch).
Correction for last week’s results
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 1 (John Paul De Sousa, Sarah Stephens, David Williamson,
Frank Sullivan, Graeme O’Neill).
Season Point Score:
Sarah Stephens (84), Ken Birch (74), Phil Coulton (66), John Paul De Sousa (62), Chris Chant (59),
Graeme O’Neill (57), Alison Hale (51), James Newhouse (46), Frank O’Sullivan (40), Ben Davis (38),
David Wilkinson (31).
The track group was saddened to hear the news that Alison Hale had broken her collar bone in a recent
cycling accident. The trackies wish Alison a speedy recovery and hope she can rejoin the group in the
new year.
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
CRMCC Committee
President – David Parker
Vice President – Dave Buckley
Secretary – Michael Fawke
Treasurer – Mark Vardy
Handicapper – Rob Langridge
E-mail committee@crmcc.org.au
