There were thrills, spills and bicycles at Shepparton Velodrome and BMX facility at the weekend.
Shepparton Cycling Club hosted cyclo-cross racing — a Frankenstein’s monster style of event — on July 6-7.
Participants ranged from junior and novice levels to masters and the elite, with athletes enjoying a busy and entertaining couple of days partaking in the unique sport.
The event was called the Fruits of the Valley and was part of AusCycling’s State Cyclo-Cross series.
Shepparton Cycling Club president Brett Lancaster was at the event and said the buzz in the crowd was electric.
“It’s one of those ones where people don’t know what the event is, so we had some people show up and say, ‘What’s this?’ ” Lancaster said.
“They hung around for quite a while, (they were) intrigued.
“I don’t come from a cyclo-cross background — I have been to one of the big ones in Belgium — it’s definitely one for the future and people should come out next year to watch it.’’
The sport of cyclo-cross takes a second to understand, but its fast-paced and action-packed nature means participants were entertained, even when confused.
Lancaster specifically noted how entertaining it was to watch competitors try to navigate a notorious obstacle.
“In the B-grade women’s there was the sandpit,” he said.
“And you have to ride your bike through the sandpit, but it is 20-30m long, and just seeing these girls get through without getting off and walking — there were people cheering.
“It creates a good atmosphere with a lot of fun.”
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Brunswick’s Lia De Gruchy carries her bike through the trepidatious sand. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 14
Bendigo’s Alana Fletcher peddles hard. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 14
Mornington’s Jaxon King crashes. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 14
Alpine Cycling Club’s Fiona Morris glides through the course. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 14
Lysterfield’s Joanna Murawska tucks into a corner. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 14
Geelong’s Sam Harberts works hard. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 14
Smiths Gully’s Sarah Bowman enjoys a bit of night racing. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 14
VOGA Cycling Club’s Danielle Pepping tries to find grip in the sand. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 14
Alpine Cycling Club’s Lachlan Stewart flies through the night. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 14
Hawthorn’s Bethany Jackson finds running on sand understandably easier than riding. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 14
Birrarung Cycling Club’s Aoife Dennehy goes flying around a corner. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 14
Smiths Gully’s Sarah Bowman goes from land to sand. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 13 of 14
Shepparton’s Isla Shaw was smiling throughout the tricky race. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 14 of 14
Geelong’s Sam Harberts tries to stay upright. Photo by Rechelle ZammitAccording to Lancaster, the cyclo-cross event didn’t require any road blockages and was affordable to run.
This means Shepparton will likely see the Fruits of the Valley event return in 2025.
The organisation of the Fruits of the Valley was less complex than others that Shepparton Cycling Club have run, however, Lancaster was quick to thank his vice-president and race director Brad Higgins for his hard work in creating this successful event.
“Brad Higgins did a fantastic job of setting everything up as he spent countless hours preparing the track,” he said.
“I was down there on Saturday night and watched the A-grade men or elite men and (the race) was an absolute thriller.
“Four of them came through to the finish after sprinting ahead, so it was a great event.
“Even from the start (of the weekend) with the young kids first time trying and everything.”