ADF Cycling needs more pedal power maniacs on the team

By Warrant Officer Class Two Greg Young

ARE you a competitive cyclist? Are you a cyclist who might be interested in taking part in races or other competitions but aren’t sure how to start?

The newly formed ADF Cycling Club (ADFCC) is calling for anyone in any state who has an interest in the sport to join his or her local branch.

In 2001, the ADF Sports Council approved the Australian Services Triathlon Association (ASTA) to conduct cycling as a sub-sport of triathlon, to attract cyclists to that sport as team members.

In 2002, ASTA completed the first ADF cycling championship, which consisted of a 30km time trial, 60km road race and criterium. This was followed by another successful championship in 2003, attended by about 100 competitors.

ASTA then selected three riders to accompany the triathlon team that competed in the Northern Territory sports championships, followed by another six to compete in the 2004 Top End Tour. The teams produced excellent results and cemented cycling as a viable ADF sport in its own right.

Meanwhile, in June 2003, ASTA investigated the viability of forming an ADF cycling club that would be affiliated directly with the national body, Cycling Australia. ADF members would belong to the ADF club and be registered with Cycling Australia. They could then race anywhere in Australia under the one licence and with a significant reduction in membership fees.

Cycling Australia agreed to the proposal late last year, leading to ADFCC’s formation. It will be affiliated directly with Cycling Australia, rather than through ASTA.

As many ADF members are regularly deployed for long periods and may not be able to participate all year round, and as the majority of ADFCC members will only participate in cycling activities conducted within the Services, ADFCC membership is being offered at a discount fee of $105 a year.

The ADFCC licence will reflect Cycling Australia’s full membership status, including competition in state and national teams.

Also, because of the regular movements and postings of ADF personnel, exemption to permit ADFCC members to compete in local club-based racing has also been negotiated.

Membership applications can be downloaded from the Cycling Australia web site www.cycling.org.au. Members must tick the “Defence” box to gain the reduction in membership fees.

The membership application and fees are to be forwarded to Corporal Luke Butler at Larrakeyah Barracks.

For more information on cycling in the ADF or to nominate as a cycling representative, contact Captain Marc Hastie at Laverack Barracks by email to marc.hastie@defence.gov.au, or call (07) 4771 7507.

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