This Saturday, August 18 will see the 93rd running of the Collie to Donnybrook and Return cycle race. This is the oldest cycle race in Western Australia and among the oldest in Australia.
The race from its humble beginning in 1925 has grown into one of the most prestigious races in the state. It has always attracted large fields and the best riders in Western Australia and on many occasions, interstate and international competitors.
Now in the sixth year of Bendigo Bank sponsorship, the race has grown to be the biggest one day road cycle in Western Australia.
Nominations for this year’s event are down slightly on previous but still very high compared to other events around the state, with some of the biggest names in cycling in Western Australia are intending to compete.
The main event starts outside the Crown Hotel at 12.30 with the limit riders getting away first and the scratch riders leaving around 32 minutes later. The winner is expected to cross the finish line outside the Crown Hotel between 3 and 3.30 pm.
The day is supported by a number of junior races, under 17 and under 15 men’s and women’s races. These races will draw a good number of the state’s best juniors, and should produce some intense racing, giving a glimpse of future champions.
Another great event on the day will be the 15 kilometre participation ride. The aim of this event is for anyone to get out there, have a go and have fun. We invite anyone who would like to have a ride, to register at 8.45 for a start time of 9.45am.
Incorporated in this event is the Primary Schools Challenge Shield, which was won by Collie Catholic College until last year when Allanson Primary took the victory home. The challenges are getting bigger every year. This year we expect to have all of Collie’s Primary Schools participating.
For the first time in many years the Collie Cycle Club will be hosting a town centre Bendigo Bank criterium races on the Sunday morning following to Donnybrook.
The start finish will be in Harvey Street with the riders traveling in an anti-clock wise direction left into Forrest Street, left into Steer Street, Left into Medic Street then back into Harvey Street. Racing starts at 8 am with junior grades 20 minutes plus 2 laps, the final event of the morning will be the A grade men’s open race commencing at 11.40, 40 minutes plus 2 laps.
The Alanson P and C markets will also take place during the morning with some 20 stall holders booked for the event.
Saturday start times for events;
- 9.45am Participation Ride Starts
- 10.30am U/15’s Race Starts
- 11.30pm U/17’s Race Starts
- 12.30pm 104km Bendigo Bank Collie to Donnybrook & Return Cycling Classic