All News
November 5, 2024NewsTara has been an active member of the Vikings Cycling Club since 2021 and now serves as our Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO).
In this role, she is responsible for providing confidential support and guidance to club members, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all. Tara helps address concerns about member protection, promotes fair treatment, and upholds the club’s commitment to well-being.
Her dedication to cycling and her role as MPIO reflect her passion for fostering a positive community where all members feel valued and protected.
What do MPIOs do?
Provide information about member rights, responsibilities, and available options.
Guide individuals through the appropriate channels for raising concerns or filing complaints.
Increase awareness of policies related to member protection, safeguarding children, and preventing harassment and discrimination.
Find out more about the role on AusCycling’s website.
How to contact the MPIO
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to Tara at MPIO@vikingscycling.org.au [...]
November 4, 2024NewsThe carnival ran on Saturday 2 November and was split into a Junior Carnival and a Senior Carnival.
Junior Carnival
The Junior Carnival kicked off in the morning with 36 riders from U9 through to U17.
The race program included a warmup Scratch race, a two lap Handicap, the Merv McDonald Memorial Wheelrace, a moto-paced Scratch race and finished up with a bit of a fun Italian Pursuit.
Merv was a loved husband, father, poppy, brother, cyclist, masters world time trial champion, super coach and commissaire. A talented Queanbeyan sportsman and champion cyclist, Merv and his wife Gwen relocated to the Sunshine Coast after a 39-year-long stint in the public service and a notable career in cycling as a rider, coach and official.
Thanks to the 99 Bikes ACT stores, who assisted with the prize pool of vouchers for the competitors.
The U9-U13 Merv McDonald Memorial Wheelrace was won by Canberra Cycling Club’s (CCC) own Annika Astridge, followed by Illawarra rider Oliver Morris, Vikings (VCC) Hudson Taylor with George Williams(CCC) and Eric Taylor (VCC) closing out the podium spots.
The U15-U17 Merv McDonald Memorial Wheelrace was won by VCC’s Jackson MacDonald followed by CCC’s Will Astridge and Wagga Wagga’s Jacob McLachlan. CCC’s Ryker Bentlin and Illawarra’s James Allen closed out the podium.
Senior Carnival
The Senior Carnival commenced in the afternoon with 35 riders. This carnival is part of the 2024 NSW/ACT Country Track Series and thank you to all our interstate racers, families and supporters for coming.
As with the Junior’s the race program included a Scratch race, 1,000 metre Handicap, the Derek Aisbitt Memorial Wheelrace and a moto-pace Scratch to finish off the days racing.
Derek Aisbitt is best remembered as being one of Canberra’s most innovative cycling coaches of his time. He started coaching in the early 1980’s, and as the original owner of the Bike Shed, he pioneered the morning bunch rides from the shop in Phillip. Many local kids were given their first job in the shop so they could pay for their love of cycling.Derek coached a multitude of World and Australian Cycling Champions including Peter, Dean, and Michael Rogers; Michael Hayman; Robert McLachlan; Adrian Nolan; Simon Calder; Nathan Page and too many others to name. 2009 Masters World Champion Jim Veal and Derek’s son Michael, also a legend in the ACT cycling community, give Derek the credit for getting them to the top of their sport.Derek’s wife Angela and son Michael presented the prizes to the winner and place getters.
Thanks to Baden Burke from the Bakehouse in Ainslie for his support for the winner’s purse.
The Women’s Derek Aisbitt Memorial Wheelrace was taken out by CCC and ACTAS rider Claudia Marcks, followed by VCC’s Ali Hale and Castlemaine Cycling Club’s Emma Jackson. VCC’s (and Birthday girl) Sara Buerger and Peta Brill closed out the podium.
The Men’s Derek Aisbitt Memorial Wheelrace was a great contest with the middle markers taking it out. Albury Wodonga rider David Mann claimed the win followed by CCC’s David Sitsky and Illawarra rider Chris Allen. VCC’s Ryan Bates and CCC’s Baden Burke coming in 4th and 5th in a toughly fought sprint to the line.
The Narrabundah Open couldn’t have been run without the support of some key volunteers including Tony O’Connor (Sluggo), Jim and Lyn Veal, Michael Buerger, Llewella and Dan Grillo. Thanks to Paul Vumbaca for the sound system, Michael Langdon on the microphone, Harry O’Connor for the tunes and Mark Henwood and parents from the Junior Development Fund (JDF) for the awesome canteen. Thank you to all the other volunteers who assisted with setup and pack down and throughout the day.
Along with the general volunteers, another integral part in the event’s smooth running were the men and women in blue, the wonderful Commissaires. Thanks to the Chief Commissaire Peter Tomlinson who was supported by Simon and Caet Watch, Jim Veal and David Kallir Preece.
The ACT Club’s Vikings Cycling Club and Canberra Cycling Club were proud to host this event and would like to take all participants, parents and supporters who made this event a lot of fun to run.
Ride safely
Michael Buerger
Race Director
2024-Narrabundah-Junior-ResultsDownload
2024-Narrabundah-Senior-ResultsDownload [...]
April 7, 2024NewsEntries are now open for the Canberra Junior and Women’s Tour! There are 4 stages across the weekend, a criterium, road race, kermesse and time trial.
Early bird pricing is available before Sunday 14 April, so sign up now. If you know anyone who is thinking of travelling to Canberra for it, they can use the code CCCVCC for a 15% discount at Alivio Tourist Park.
The event is proudly brought to you by Crankys Cycle Worx.
This race also forms part of the Under 19 National Road Series and NSW and ACT Junior Road Series.
You can stay up to date with the latest news via our Facebook page.
Event Schedule
Saturday 25 May 2024Stage 1: CriteriumStage 2: Road Race
Sunday 26 May 2024Stage 3: KermesseStage 4: Time Trial
ENTER NOW
Closing Date: 11:59pm Sunday 19th May 2024. [...]
March 7, 2024NewsCheryl Hulskamp is running another popular ACT Development Squad Programme, which kicks off on 11 April 2024. This programme will help you build on your existing skills, boost your fitness, and prepare for the upcoming cycling season (or even tackle a cycling event for the first time).
Here’s what you can expect from this 6-week programme:
Tailored Weekly Training Plan: A customised weekly training plan designed to match your fitness level and triathlon aspirations, blending swimming, cycling, and running disciplines.
Advanced Cycling Techniques: Learn advanced cycling techniques to improve efficiency and speed, which is vital for triathlon success.
Masterclass Skill Development: Get involved in class-style skill sessions targeting specific areas crucial for triathlon performance.
Inclusive Community: Join a diverse community of individuals from all walks of life, abilities, ages, and triathlon clubs, fostering support and motivation.
Weekly Training Sessions: On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 AM to 7:15 AM., join us for on-road coaching sessions focused on fitness and triathlon-specific skills.
Masterclass Session: Enjoy an extended 2-hour masterclass session offering specialised skills training — date to be confirmed.
Ready to take on the challenge? Click here to express your interest. [...]
January 8, 2024NewsIn addition to voting in our new committee at our Annual General Meeting on 17 December, we also reflected on 2023.
Last year was one of building off a strong base in developing a great and diverse club of riders. We have continued to actively engage in getting more female participation through the women’s social ride and engagement from our more experienced female riders.
We have a strong junior track program which is bringing access to cycling in a safe and supportive environment. It has really been a pleasure watching how the VCC and CCC families have supported each other in building a robust and supportive community.
It was also a year of a fresh new look for our cycling kit, which is already standing out at races across the country.
Year in numbers
We ran a combined 7 road events and the winter crit series with Canberra Cycling Club. By combining our race calendars, we can focus our time on a number of key races to try to get more interstate and local riders to attend. A great example of this was the Canberra Junior Tour held on 27–28 May with 220 junior riders from across the country and even New Zealand attending.
This year we have held:
49 track training sessions with 941 entries
24 Track racing events with 592 entries
24 SuperCrits with 1,511 entries
8-week Novice Program with the assistance of Michael Hanslip for 19 new riders
Thanks to our volunteers
The club couldn’t run without our key volunteers, including:
Our commissaires – Jim Veal, Darryl Cram, Simon and Caet Watch and Jon Lowe
Track/Junior coaches – Jim Veal, Gavin Macdonald, Carlos Lopez, Ross Taylor, Dan Grillo and Ed Gralton
SuperCrits Race Director – Jon Lowe
Novice coordinators – Alys Buchtmann and Alex Carder
And everyone else who helped at a race last year
2023 Committee
Before we introduce the 2024 committee, it is important to shout our the 2023 committee who helped the club run its races, training and bunch rides:
Mel Toombs – Vice President and Women’s officer
Vanessa Judge – Secretary
Steph Bates – Treasurer
Alys Buchtmann – Membership Officer, Communications, Novice Coordinator
Charlotte Hempenstall – Interim Club Captain, Communications and Socials
Alex Carder – Clothing Officer
Jim Veal – track/ junior
Ross Taylor – Track and EntryBoss
Andrew Steel (Fozzy)
Neil Skipper
Sam Cuninghame
Matt Dyne
Special thanks to Matt for all the work he has done over the years and his continued support. This was his last year on the committee and we will miss his contributions to the club. A farewell to both Neil and Fozzy, who will also be stepping back from the committee in 2024.
2024 committee
At the AGM, the following roles were voted in:
President – Michael Buerger
Vice-president – Vanessa Judge
Secretary – Alys Buchtmann
Treasurer – Steph Bates
Assistant Treasurer – Mustafa Anwar
Membership Officer – Alex Carder
General Committee Members/Roles:
Women’s Officer – Melany Toombs
Socials – Charlotte Hempenstall
Track/Juniors – Jim Veal
Track/Race – Ross Taylor
Development – Vanessa Judge
Club Captain – Charlotte Hempenstall
Novice coordinator – Sam Cuninghame
Gravel coordinator – Trenton Smith
e-Racing coordinator – Alex Carder
Final thanks
A huge thank our sponsors including Alivio Tourist Park, Stu from Crankys, and the Little Pickle. Thank you also to Steve Crispin and Rainer Wilton from Canberra Cycling Club for running the road races and collaborating with Vikings on our cycling advocacy.
Finally, thank you to all our members for your support in making this a fantastic cycling club. [...]
December 17, 2023NewsOver the Christmas and New Year’s season, we’ve pulled together all the upcoming rides so you can plan your summer break or your Festive 500 rides!
Check our socials for any last minute changes.
Little Pickle is closed from 2pm Friday 22 December and reopens Monday 15 January 2024
SuperCrits return Thursday 4 January 2024
Track training returns Saturday 6 January 2024
Track racing returns Monday 8 January 2024
Week starting Monday 18 December 2023
🎄 Christmas track carnival – Monday 18 December🎄The Christmas handicap trophy is up for grabs on Monday, plus there will be a sausage sizzle and prizes for the juniors. Oh, and Santa might even show up!!! From 5pm at the Narrabundah velodrome – sign up now.
🎄 Women’s Christmas ride – 6am Tuesday 19 December 🎄 We aren’t expecting Santa to show up on our special edition Women’s Christmas Social ride, but we do expect lots of smiles, gaudy Christmas jerseys and festive cheer! Leaving at the usual ANU meeting spot at 6am, and the club will be shouting everyone coffee ☕️ afterwards at the Little Pickle.
🚴 Majura Wasabi – 6am Wednesday 20 December 🚴♀️Not everyone is on holidays yet, so Majurasabi will be running as usual from the ANU from 6am. You can still wear those Christmas jerseys!
🏁 Final 2023 SuperCrit – from 5:50pm Thursday 21 December 🏁 Round 11 will be our final crit for 2023, the season will take a brief break and then return on Thursday 4 January 2024.
🎄 Christmas Norman – 6am Friday 22 December 🎄 The Sprinter’s Norman will run as usual on Friday 22 December from the ANU, except it won’t be the TGA sprint everyone will be competing for, but who has the best Christmas outfit (extra points for decorating your bike). Everyone who turns up will win though, as the club will be putting on treats afterwards! You buy the coffee, we’ll buy the banana bread!
🎄 Christmas Eve Condor Creek PROD – 7am Sunday 24 December 🎄 The Condor Creek PROD will depart the ANU from 7am on Sunday 24 December, meeting the southsiders at the intersection of Swallowtail and Cotter roads at 7:35am. This is your chance to get some kilometres in early for the Festive 500 and pre-burn off those Christmas calories!
Week starting Monday 25 December 2023
⚠️ Check the later start times for the rides ⚠️
🪨 Alt Gravelsabi – 7am Wednesday 27 December 🪨We will be holding a special end-of-year Gravelsabi route through Ainslie and Majura Pines on Wednesday 27 December. Leaving a little bit later at 7am (because it’s the holidays!), the group will head out for an anti-clockwise Ainslie loop before adding on some extra kilometres through Majura Pines. Coffee at where the group can find open afterwards.
🚴 Belcosabi – 7am Wednesday 27 December 🚴♀️For those who didn’t get a gravel bike for Christmas, the road Wasabi is heading out at 7am on the Wednesday. The route is Belcosabi, but for those feeling adventurous or need to get extra kilometres, then there is the option of adding in Majura Parkway for double the kudos!
💕 Double Norman – 7am Friday 29 December 💕 In our yearly tradition, we will be heading out at 7am for a Norman with all the trimmings! The usual bunches will head out to do the TGA loop before turning left back up Mugga Way to loop around and climb Red Hill too. Keeping both sprinters and climbers happy! Coffee will need to be workshopped on the day, as the Little Pickle is closed – mostly likely one of the cafes on Lonsdale Street.
🎉 NYE Extended Sutton Loop PROD – 7am Sunday 31 December 🎉 The final chance to achieve Festive 500, the PROD will be doing the extended Sutton Loop. The Little Sutton Bakehouse is closed, so it is recommended that the group head to The Knox in Watson for their post ride coffee and treat!
Week starting Monday 1 January 2024
🎆 Happy new year everyone! We hope it is full of great rides. 🎆
This week our rides return to their usual times. Coffee still needs to be workshopped on the day as the Little Pickle is still closed.
🚴 Majura Wasabi – 6am Wednesday 3 January 🚴♀️
🏁 SuperCrits Round 12 – From 5:50pm Thursday 4 January 🏁
🚴♀️ TGA Norman – 6am Friday 5 January 🚴
🚴♂️ Track training – returns Saturday 6 January 🚴♂️
🚵♀️ Mountain Creek Road PROD – 7am Sunday 7 January 🚵♀️
🏁 Track racing – returns Monday 8 January 🏁 [...]
December 6, 2023NewsThe Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at 10:00am on Sunday 17 December 2023 at Stromlo Forest Park Pavilion (Dave McInnes Rd, Stromlo).
The plan is for the AGM to be held after a modified PROD/ PLOD ride. For those who want to ride, we will be leaving ANU as usual at 7am, returning to Stromlo where e breakfast BBQ will be on offer prior to the commencement of the meeting.
The key purpose of the AGM is to provide all members with an update on how the Club has fared over the year, thank the current Committee and vote in a new Committee for the next year. Refer to the attached agenda.
Office Bearer positionsCurrently held by:President Michael BuergerVice President Melany Toombs Secretary Vanessa JudgeTreasurer Stephanie BatesMembership Officer Alys BuchtmannGeneral CommitteeGeneral Committee Members (Maximum of 5 in 2023)Sam Cuninghame, Matt Dyne, Charlotte Hempenstall, Andrew Steele, Ross Taylor, Jim Veal, Alex Carder Other Roles (non-committee) Club Captain Matt Dyne (Charlotte Hempenstall – interim)Race Secretary VACANTClub Handicapper VACANTClothing Officer Alex CarderCoaching CoordinatorVACANTDevelopment Squad CoordinatorVACANTTrack Coordinator Jim VealNovice Program Coordinator Alys Buchtmann / Alex Carder / Vanessa JudgeSocial Media OfficersCharlotte Hempenstall / Alys BuchtmannWomen’s Development OfficerMelany ToombsJunior Development CoordinatorVACANTNews Coordinator Alys Buchtmann / Charlotte Hempenstall
If you are interested in taking a more active role in the running of the club, information on the roles of the committee members are available here or have a chat with a current committee member.
Attached is the nomination form for those who are interested in joining the committee, refer to the form for additional details. All nominations forms are to be submitted by email to secretary@vikingscycling.org.au by 10 December 2023.
Minutes from the 2022 AGM.
AGM_2022_-_MinutesDownload [...]
December 6, 2023NewsThe 2023 edition of the legendary Tour of Bright will go down as one with amazing performances, determined efforts, bad luck and epic weather. A hardy band of 7 Vikings lined up across 6 grades, with a total of 5 debutants. As the great Vikings Simon Claringbold is fond of saying: “getting to the start line is half the race”. So well done to all riders for making the journey from both a training and travel point of view.
Stormy skies greeted riders on Saturday as they rolled out on the famous ‘Gaps Loop’ stage. While the racing was on in earnest, the weather also had a part to play. Everyone seemed to get over Rosewhite Gap without getting too wet, but for most bunches this changed after the descent. The normally baking hot trip up the Kiewa Valley Highway turned into a series of epic rain bursts. The good news was that bunches generally rode sensibly in the wet. While everyone got soaked, it wasn’t cold until you reached the top – just as well some people got there extra quick!
Vikings excelled on the Tawonga Gap summit finish, with Andrew Foster (Mens Masters B) the pick of the results with a brilliant 5th place. Hugo Young (C grade) managed 7th, but will have to work on his Rosewhite Gap descending skills to climb further up the podium. And Zoe Sinclair (Womens C) also rode well for 8th place.
After a big effort on Tawonga the stage 2 Time Trial is aways tough in the afternoon. The showers were still around – some got a dry run in, others got wet. Our Vikings put in solid times with most holding their position in the General Classification (GC) going into Sunday’s Queen Stage: Mt Buffalo.
It’s the Queen Stage for a reason: a solid hour of climbing at your limit always decides the Tour of Bright champions. Hugo Young stunned the C grade field, pinning the ears back early and taking the stage win – well done Hugo! Andrew Foster (who’s form went vertical in the weeks leading up to Bright) also contested for the win in a three-up sprint for the line, coming away with 2nd place on the stage. Andrew’s Bright debut featured a podium GC finish in 3rd place, and a 2nd place in the King of the Mountains classification. A well deserved result after a lot of hard work and training. Chapeau! Felix Koninx, who’s form-build mirrored Andrew’s, suffered some very bad luck after puncturing on the last day – don’t worry Felix your Bright destiny is still to be written.
And as usual “stage 4” at the Bright Brewery is always a great way to top off the weekend.
And so concludes another Tour of Bright campaign – the best stage race on the amateur racing calendar. Congratulations to all riders. If you’re thinking of doing this race next year, be sure to ask the debutants how they went – I’m pretty sure they’ll all be back!
Results:
Women’s C Grade
Zoe Sinclair – GC 8th (on debut)
Mens B Grade
Felix Koninx – GC 53rd (on debut)
Mens Masters B Grade
Andrew Foster – GC 3rd, KOM 2nd (on debut)
Michael Rosser – GC 13th
Mens C Grade
Hugo Young – GC 6th, Queen Stage winner, KOM 2nd (on debut)
Mens Masters C Grade
Sam Cuninghame – GC 23rd
Mens Masters 6
Col Young – 13th (on debut) [...]
October 3, 2023NewsAre you ready to take your cycling journey to the next level? Do you need structured training for your next event?
Cheryl Hulskamp will be running a 6-week ACT Development Squad from 31 October until 7 December 2023.
This squad is open the all genders and aims to empower you to elevate your skills and abilities, improve your fitness, and make connections with fellow cyclists. Designed to build your fitness for events such as Tour of Bright or Peaks Challenge, together you will train with others to improve fitness, tactics, and nutrition.
All ages, backgrounds, abilities, and cycling clubs are welcome.
The cost of the entire program is $200.
Express your interest:
The Squad is now inviting expressions of interest from riders looking to join us. Applications close on Wednesday 25 October 2023. Register your interest via Expression of Interest form.
What to expect
Tailored Weekly Training Plan: Receive a customised weekly training plan designed to suit your fitness level and cycling goals
Masterclass Skill Development: Engage in masterclass-style skill development sessions that target specific skills
Duration: The program goes over 6 weeks starting on 31 October 2023
Inclusive Community: Join an inclusive community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and cycling clubs
Weekly Training Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays (6:00 AM to 7:15 AM) there will be on-road coaching sessions focusing on fitness and cycling skills. Sessions cater to various fitness levels
Masterclass Session: Saturday (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) there will be an extended 2-hour masterclass session offering advanced climbing and descending skills training.
What you need
Road bike in a roadworthy condition, that is all brakes and gears working correctly, tyres in good condition, handlebar plugs installed, etc
Helmet that meets Australian standards (AS2062:2008)
Bike computer with cadence meter
Tools, such as Allen key, spare tubes, tyre levers, pump/CO2 canister
Lights (front and rear)
Current AusCycling membership
Water/food
Location
Tuesday and Thursday training sessions:
Most sessions will start from Lennox Gardens in Yarralumla
Meet at 5:55 AM for a 6 AM start
Sessions expected to finish by 7/7:15 AM
There will be a post-ride debrief session to discuss the training and ask any quesitons
Optional post-ride coffee
First session
Tuesday 31 October 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 am
Location: Pavilion, Stromlo Forest Park
Session Focus: Introductions, helmet and license check, initial assessments and the first skill development session
Remember to bring your AusCycling license, bike and helmet
Meet the coach
Cheryl is a Level 2 NCAS Certified AusCycling Coach, with over 25 years of coaching experience guiding athletes in various cycling disciplines and abilities. She is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential and is an accomplished athlete, having represented Australia twice a the World Masters Championships in Velodrome cycling, earning 6 medals. She has also competed in the National Road Series (NRS) and excelled in mountain biking (cross country and downhill) winning the NSW State Downhill Series.
More information
For further information, please contact Cheryl Hulskamp at cheryl.hulskamp@icloud.com [...]
July 17, 2023NewsThe Spring Novice Program is now open for registration!
The VCC Novice Program is aimed at bringing new riders into the world of road cycling and racing in a safe and supportive environment. The program is a highlight every year, for participants and mentors!
The 8-week program will start from 5 September and go until 26 October 2023.
Entries close Monday 28 August 2023.
Signing up for the program
To participate in the program you will need to register through EntryBoss and have an AusCycling membership (Race licence or Lifestyle).
We recommend only signing up for the program if you can commit to attend at least the first 2 weeks. If you miss these sessions we have found that riders will not have enough confidence to participate fully in the rest of the program.
You can chose to sign up for either the:
Tuesday group (session 1) – for those comfortable riding with an average speed of 25km/h or more – starts 5 September
Thursday group (session 2) – for those more comfortable riding with an average speed below 25km/h – starts 7 September
Each group will be limited to 15 and the full program costs $165, which includes a free Vikings Cycling Club jersey valued at $130!
Which group is right for you?
While each group will follow the same program, we try our best to align people’s goals and speeds so you can get the most out of the program. However, if you can’t make the day more aligned to your ability, don’t worry you can still join the other group.
Tuesday group (Session 1)
This group is best for those who have ridden a bit and have some fitness under their belt. In particular those flirting with the idea of giving racing a go or pushing their limits in some endurance events.
If you are a bit speedier but looking for people to ride with regularly, or maybe you just want to nail some commute segments on Strava, then this group is probably best for you.
Thursday group (Session 2)
This group is good for those who have ridden a little bit on their own and want to meet other people to ride with (safely).
If your wanting to challenge yourself by taking on an organised participation event for the first time, or just keen to see where cycling takes you, then this group is probably best for you.
Questions?
Email us at novice@vikingscycling.org.au [...]