Byron Bay Cycling Club’s (BBCC) inaugural closed road race through and around Lismore has been deemed a ‘success’ attracting 108 competitors and raising over a $1,000 for the local rescue helicopter service.
‘We had riders from Ipswich, Redland Bay, Yamba, Grafton. Inverell and of course the local region,’ BBCC secretary Mat
Johnson said.
‘Competitors were aged six years to 71 years. Incredibly the 71-year-old won the C-grade rise over 50 kilometres, beating 46 other riders in that grade.’
Standard cycling club riding took place across four grades but the day also included beginners and e-bike categories.
‘We had six competitors in the e-bike race, which is not a big deal, but we were breaking new ground. They are a very enabling machine,’ he said.
Despite a wet start to the day, families did come down to the bottom of their driveways to cheer on the riders as they went past, and as the day progressed a crowd did begin to build at the finish line.
The racing circuit started in the Lismore CBD before heading north to Woodlawn and Numulgi.
The day also raised over $1,000 for the local rescue helicopter service.
There was plenty of positive feedback from the competitors and the Lismore mayor is also supportive.
‘We will be looking to make this an annual event and a BBCC signature race,’ Mat said.
‘We have plenty of ideas on ways to improve the day and will be aiming to attract some high-profile riders as well as some teams,’ he said.
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