Canberra Cycling Club has had a long history stretching back to the 1920s and is among the oldest cycling clubs in Australia. A breeding ground for international talent the CCC has an expansive amount of cycling-specific infrastructure for it’s members and cycling enthusiasts alike. With racing all year round the CCC also utilises a variety of terrain to challenge and invite riders of every skill level to test their strength and ability on. Taking part in some of their Winter Road Series races would be a perfect way to gauge your progress on your way to the Bowral Classic in October.
Can you give the readers an introduction to the club? The Canberra Cycling club was first formed in 1926 and presently has approximately 300 members. Through the years have seen several changes in kit design and even name, but the club has always aimed to provide high quality racing for its members. The CCC currently runs Road, Track, Criterium and ITT race series for riders of all ages and abilities.
What are some unique aspects of the Canberra Cycling Club? The CCC is the only Canberra club that organises regular Road, Crit and Track racing for all ages. Our road series, held between March and September, utilises a range of terrain (rolling, lumpy and really quite hilly) to the west and south of Canberra, all on rural roads close to the city with very little traffic. Track racing is conducted throughout summer on the outdoor (and once infamous) ‘Bundadome’, a concrete banked track which has recently been revamped. Our very popular Summer Criterium Series is held at the purpose built track at Stromlo Forest Park, well known for large numbers and hard racing for all grades. All Cycling Australia race license holders, no matter their club affiliation, are welcome to any club event.
Has the CCC had any recent members ride to fame on a national or international level? Several CCC Members are currently active in the WorldTour or otherwise on the international stage – Mick Rogers, Nathan Haas, Chloe Hosking and Gracie Elvin to name a few. Most recently, any Australian with even the most cursory interest in cycling will have celebrated when Mathew Hayman crossed the line first on the Velodrome in Roubaix… Matty started his cycling career as a junior in the CCC and remains a member today. We often see a number of European based Aussie pros race in the CCC Crit series over their off season, especially at the Carts Christmas Crit in late December.
What are some options for non-members who want to begin to race in the Canberra area? Like all Cycling Australia affiliated clubs, anyone wanting to race first needs to have a race license and a road worthy bike. After that you just need the willingness to give it a go. The CCC does not have any club specific training rides, but there are groups heading off pretty much every morning of the week. Some of these rides are listed on our website, https://www.canberracyclingclub.org.au/training/
Can you briefly offer any tips to those hoping to conquer the 160km Bowral Classic ride? I would suggest checking the profile and choose a course option that challenges you, but isn’t completely beyond your capabilities. Then just get out there and train on a few similar courses or climbs and do a few rides of a similar distance. Whether riding to finish or racing to win, 160km is a lot different than a 40-80km club race!
Does the CCC have any events that will help riders prepare for the Bowral Classic? Most CCC races are between 40-80km depending on the race and grade, and almost all are raced on fairly tough terrain. A few of our special events may be worthwhile to race as an indication of how training for the Classic is going (or how much more you have to do!). The Iron Mike (21 May) and the Queens Birthday Mini Tour (11 and 12 June) are both run on courses with quite challenging climbs.
