Ben, Ben, Micah, Janine, a Bugatti and Presentations - MMBCC News - Sun 5 Apr

MMBCC Presentation Night

Trophies for the Summer Road Race Series and Dirt Crits will be handed out to all the winners at the MMBCC’s night of nights - a glittering awards ceremony where the stars of the MMBCC’s race scene will be out in their finest: shimmering gowns, plunging necklines, high heels … and I can’t wait to see what some of the women will be wearing!

Save the date - Thursday 14 May at the Mansfield Hotel - more details soon…

Dirt Crits 25/26: THE FINAL HURRAH

By Damian Grundy

I would like to start this race report with a series of “THANK YOU’s”.

Thanks to everyone who has been involved with the XC Dirt Crit evenings! Thanks especially to Kate Stonnill, Cam Dobson and Tim Ross for their regular help in timing races.

Thanks to all the competitors who have raced at any of the races. I hope you have been challenged, had some fun and gained some fitness through the series.

Given that this was the final event for this summer season I got very ambitious as handicapper and decided that rather than just one race we would have two in the same evening! I have booked some extra sessions with my counsellor in the coming weeks to discuss this clearly insane idea.

Anyways … two races, one slightly shorter XC followed by a sort of Gravity Enduro stage, milking the Riflebutts MTB Park for as long of a DH as could be done (inevitably with a little uphill).

For the XC there were three different length laps (creatively named A, B & C). Riders were given different combinations of laps depending on ability and handicapped accordingly.

The final result of stage 1: Micah Chadd 1st, Cody Stephens 2nd and Ben Grundy 3rd. Times were close with less than a minute gap covering the first 5 places.

A note to some of the riders: Arrows point in the direction of the course, you should follow them 😊. Or come early and do a practice lap!

For stage 2 Gravity Enduro: Ryder Chadd 1st, Ant Bateup 2nd and Ben Ross 3rd.

Overall was determined by a points system. With 17 starters first place got 17 points, 2nd place 16 points and so on down to 1 point for 17th.

The final result:

Three riders on 29 points taking equal 1st place: Ben Grundy, Ben Ross and Micah Chadd. Next came Ryder Chadd 4th on 28 points; Cody Stevens 5th on 26 points; Ant Bateup 6th on 24 points; and Luke Vivash 7th on 22 points.

Thanks again everyone. Here are all the results.

Keep your ear to the ground for some MMBCC winter mountain bike activities.

If you have any feedback on how we might do things better for the next season please shoot me a message.

Merinda Way a fitting finale

By Timothy Hall

A beautiful autumn evening for the final race of the season, this time 2 ½ laps of the Merinda Way loop – nicely out of the way of the Easter car traffic, which was certainly starting to stream into town.

David Jagger and John Eisner led the proceedings from Limit, followed by the trio of Tim Hall, Craig Wilson and Janine Appleton at 3 minutes. Jock Brega and Adrian Dowd followed at 5 ½ minutes, Brega dropping his chain early on and having to stop to disentangle it. Dowd raced away, unaware of the mechanical issues for Brega who, despite turning himself inside out in effort, never managed to get back onto him.

The ‘Block group was at 9 ½ minutes, consisting of; Darren Bakker, Steve Duke, Ben Ross, Simon Hall and Mark Ruttiman. Ruttiman in fine form, having just won the B-grade championship with Seymour Broadford Cycling Club the previous Saturday.

Scratch was dominated by some fast riders coming out of Euroa and Seymour (we really appreciate that they come over and race – it makes it great fun for everyone); Carl Simmons, James Hender and Andy Garrett. Hender was also a club champion with Seymour Broadford, having just won the A-grade championship with them. Rounding out Scratch was MMBCC club stalwart Bruce Halket, and up and coming Ryder Chadd. Sympathy to Halket, who was supposed to be under the knife for a knee operation, which was postponed, but at least he could come and race.

T Hall, Wilson and Appleton had a great ride, adjusting tempo a couple of times to stay together, and relying on Wilson’s downhill speed and Appleton’s climbing to make the most of their advantage. Catching Jagger and Eisner on the first lap, Jagger put in a massive effort to stay with the group for the next 1 ½ laps. Eisner working hard, but being caught by successive groups out the back.

Block group working well, but young gun Ross is champing at the bit and stretching the group when he came through – it won’t be long before he is pushed back to the Scratch group.

Scratch caught Brega and then S Hall on the last time around.

Other than that, no-one caught anyone really, with each of the groups mostly staying together but not catching each other.

Appleton made the most of the last couple of hills to get clear of Wilson and T Hall with a well-deserved win. Chadd catching the Block group nearly on the line, and just behind the front markers. Great handicapping.

Here are the results and thanks, as ever, to Tony Copland and this week Alex Green for the pics.

The club prides itself on being ‘The Social Club with a Cycling Problem’, and this holds true with all our disciplines. On behalf of the riders, a shout-out to all those who volunteer their time, particularly; the team of Commissaires, the super-regular volunteers Mel, Judi, Tony, the Executive team of Dave E, Damian, Kate, Janine, Ryder and Steve, and the Road Committee of Alex, John, Dave J, Janine and Darren. Thanks everyone for a great season.

A reminder…

The Tour of Flanders, or Ronde Von Vlaanderen, is on tonight. The best race of the season with Mathieu, Wout, Mads, Remco (for the first time) and, of course, Tadej. (Yes, of course we’re on a first name basis!) Tune in to SBS Viceland (channel 31) from 6pm till about 12.30. Then it’s followed by the Women’s RVV.

You got an extra hour’s sleep last night and tomorrow’s a holiday … why not stay up!?

Finally…

Looking for something for the cyclist in your family who already has everything? Factor bikes have just what you’re after.

Earlier this year they launched a new road race bike called One. They call it the World’s Fastest Road Bike. It’s a very, very nice bike. Not cheap but very nice and it looks fast just standing still.

Now, they’ve announced a new collaboration and produced the Bugatti Factor One.

It’s a beautiful bike too, although not technically UCI-legal. But don’t let that stop you … look at the price! Why not order two?

Ben, Dave & Ruby - MMBCC News - Sun 29 Mar

Lots to get through this weekend…

Last gravity night for the season 

By Kate and Dave Empey

Dirt Crits avoided threatening rain clouds for another dusty night. 13 riders in total climbed the hill for another President’s Challenge evening. 

First run down took its first casualty with Cooper taking a little dirt nap on the last dusty corners; but regained his composure to cross the finish with a time of 3.21. However, he had to head home to fix a flat tyre.

Second lap saw Ryder again fastest with 3.53 and fastest overall. Micah Chadd’s showing huge improvement coming in 3rd.

Cam Dobson and Willem Morphett showed great consistency with both laps the same.

Alastair Ross survived his dad’s maintenance regime and will need to revue the rattle in his front brake.

Dave Bock had a Little Rock garden excursion at the top where he left his bike behind and went for a stroll, only to then finish the track.

Cody Stephens put in an impressive ride in jeans & work boots as he came straight from work.

Chris Williams, after a fall whilst tyre testing, finished first in the e-bike category. 

Results

Gravity: 1st Ryder Chadd, 2nd Cam Dobson, 3rd Micah Chadd, 4th Damian Grundy and equal 5th Ben Grundy and Cody Stephens.

Handicap: 1st Ben Grundy, 2nd Willem Morphett, 3rd Alastair Ross, 4th Cody Stephens and again equal 5th Micah Chadd and Lucas Belman. 

Here are the full, detailed results.

Racing in the rain

By Dave ‘The Handicapper’ Jagger

You know that the race season is coming to a close when a cool, south westerly wind is blowing with rain showers. The weather was cold enough to have some riders pull out before the start.

Fifteen hardened riders still competed in the penultimate race and were led off by the David pair of Jagger and Bock. They headed off quickly, not to get a headstart but to warm up!

Craig Wilson and Janine Appleton were following four minutes behind.

The Barwite loop course is short but it does include the Coombesberg, a short, steep section of pain at the start of the Old Tolmie Road. This section of the course will separate the good hill climbers from the less-good hill climbers.

The block (second last) group to head out was made up of Simon Mulvihill, Adrian Dowd and Tim Ross. Simon was unable to hold on up the Coombesberg resulting in him crossing the finish line last.

Bruce Halket, fresh off a podium mountain bike result on the weekend was able to get away from the Scratch group up the Coombesberg and kept in front of his group for the race.

The ride along the Barwite Road was straight into a solid headwind which favoured the competitors riding in a group. The Davids worked well together and held the lead with David Bock coming home the winner. Craig was slightly stronger riding upwards towards the finish at the showgrounds than Janine to finish third.

Bruce managed to hold off the Scratch group to finish fifth with the rest of the riders finishing in the next twenty seconds.

Here are the results and thanks to a very damp Tony Copland for the race images.

One more race left next week with the 2025/26 championship results still open to several competitors. Last week’s points leader, Steve Duke, by his own admission had a bad night on the bike and has given way to this week’s winner, Dave Bock. Bocky leads with 106 points ahead Steve on 99, Wil on 97 and Simon Hall on 95. Breathing down their necks is the Handicapper on 90. One race left!

Shifty Fifty Round 1 - Woodend

By Tim Ross

Sunday saw the first of the Shifty Fifty series decided. 

The Shifty Fifty is a series of seven events over autumn/ spring. The course is generally a mixture of single trail and bush tracks. The main event is the Shifty Fifty, generally two laps of the course. Also on offer is the Shifty Shorty (25km, one lap) and the Shifty Smally (usually about 10km, aimed at kids or riders wanting a first taste of MTB racing). The events are part race (for those that want to go hard) and part participation event with many riders just looking for a well-organised, longer ride at some great venues.

Sunday’s ride was in the Wombat State Forest just out of Woodend, incorporating the Wombat MTB Trails and some adjoining fire road, and had over 200 starters. MMBCC was represented by three Rosses and one Dobson. On this occasion, the day was fine and cool, but some overnight rain had made the trails particularly greasy. 

Ruby did her 50km in 2h47m to place first in Open Women!

Ben knocked out his first 50km event in 2h45 to place third in U19 Men, Alastair tried out the Shifty Smally placing 4th in 42m, while Tim went for the 25km event and but for an unfortunate mechanical would possibly have beaten them all (end result, DNF).

Next race in the series is a Creswick in a fortnight, with races in Anglesea, Yackandandah, Gippsland and Warburton later in the year.  A great option for anyone who’d like to keep their XC legs turning over during winter.

Dirt Critters

Junior Dirt Critters ventured away from Rifle Butts last Tuesday for their annual ride along the Delatite River from Carters Rd to Mirimbah (and back). This is a real highlight for the kids with the trail being flattish and fun to ride. 

As is usual Luke led the faster kids at the front, parents Cam and Greg (thanks guys) kept order in the middle while Tim played sheepdog at the back (this was more challenging than usual after one of his cranks dropped off the bike!). 

Despite staying dry in Mansfield, it was a bit damp in the foothills but our intrepid crew mainly dodged the showers and ended up only a little bit wet.

Weekend Results

VIC ENDURO SERIES, Rd 2 - Lake Mountain

Nicole Hoebergen - 1st, Vets 35-44 Female

Ryder Chadd - 8th, U21 Male

Lucas de Vent - 11th, U17 Male

Cooper Hoebergen - 4th, U15 Male

SEYMOUR BROADFORD CC ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS - Avenel

Mark Ruttiman - 1st, B-Grade

Ben, Dave and MTB Nats - MMBCC News - Sun 22 Mar

Congratulations to Siena Vivash - Under 13 Women Australian Downhill Champion!

Scroll down for more on the AusCycling MTB Nationals at Mt Buller on the weekend.

Dirt Crits Irish Handicap

By Damian Grundy

Ben Ross lays down a marker and sends a message for the National Championships!

Once again the rain gods have smiled on MMBCC Dirt Crits and sent some rain which settled the dust and had the trails in absolute mint riding condition.

As is the case with Irish Handicaps everyone is on their own mission, with individual lap numbers and staggered start times. But everyone is in the same race so the objective is to complete your target number of laps and get to the finish line first! Simple.

First out of the gate on this occasion were 2 5 lappers, Damian Grundy (the real old fart) and Cam Dobson (the younger old fart), followed by the rest. Last at the start line was Scarlett Darcy some 19minutes later, on her 2 lap mission.

Bruce Halket arrived a little late and had one lap trimmed from his original 5 laps with an appropriate adjustment to his start time.

Ben Ross was clearly on a flyer rounding up everyone at a rate of knots.

Riders circulated, people were caught and passed, Cam Dobson had a forced stop to loosen a tight back.

Heading into the final lap it was the two Ross youngsters heading up the hill at the front of the race with Alastair doing everything he could to hold off his older brother Ben.

In the end Ben, clearly on great form heading to the National Championships on the weekend, caught Alastair at the top of the course and rocketed down the final descent to take a well deserved win in a personal best overall race speed.

Alastair Ross finished a strong 2nd, Eliot Leatham 3rd also in a personal best race speed.

Willem Morphett 4th, Jasper Watts 5th.

A special mention to the night’s final finisher Cody Stephens for racing a warm and humid race in jeans and a long sleeve cotton top. Nothing like adding some additional challenge to an already hard sport! Well done for finishing Cody.

Thanks to Tim Ross for managing the timing. Great to see everyone out for the race.

Here are the results. Next week it’s the final Gravity Enduro night of Dirt Crits.

Biking and Boating

By Craig Stannard

The Eastern Cycling Club boys (Craig O, Dean T, Dale W [who was withdrawn from the race due to BA syndrome] and yours truly Craig S) have arrived for our annual March sojourn to Mansfield/Bonnie Doon for a bit of biking and boating.

First thing is the biking.

We arrive on the Thursday for the 24 km Whitfield handicap. It’s perfect weather with a bit of a slight cross/head wind for the leg out so it will be a fast return with the help of the slight downhill. We get our numbers and I’m in the 13 min Scratch group with Steve D, Simon H, Darren B and Dean T.

Limit (David J) is away & we begin the agonising wait. Next away is David B at 2 min then the 7 min bunch of Janine A, Craig W, Tim H & David Mc, next bunch away at 11 min is Simon M, Craig O, Jock & Tim R.

Then we are away & we quickly settle into a nice rolling turn tempo, negotiate the first big pot hole (come on Vic Roads get your act together!) & top the first hill. It’s not till we have done about 9km that we see a distant tail light that gives us a bit of boost to power on.

At about 10.4ks Limit passes by us on the way back & I try to do the calculation of time & distance required needed but give up and look for the turn around as the other groups pass us by.

We are all back on after the turn & head home but the cohesion is a bit ragged. We start mopping up a few stragglers, first one bun, then the next at about the Barwite Road intersection. We are down to three of us doing turns on the front.

Heading on down the last downhill Darren & Steve do a big turn and roll off which leaves me on the front. Dodge the last pothole and into the left hand turn into Mt Battery Road. Put the power on and open up a 20 metre break on the bunch. Can’t see the limit rider up the road so second place is available, hit the sprint button and head home not realising just how far uphill is the line! Manage to maintain the gap to take 2nd and fastest time

Good fun race and, as per any handicap, full on from start to finish.

Thanks to all the Marshals and Commissaire on a great race, can’t do it without you.

Strava says 26.27 km in distance in 41.10 minutes at an average 38.3 km/h but here are the official results.

Now it’s boating time!

With only two races to go for the 2025/26 Summer Road Race Series, the point scores show a very tight finish. With only the best 12 results counting for each rider, Steve Duke leads the way with 97 points ahead of a tie for second with Simon Hall and Dave Bock on 91. Next comes Wil Wilson on 88, Ryder Chadd on 83, Dave Jagger on 78, Adrian Dowd and Bruce Halket tied for 7th on 75, Darren Bakker on 71 and Dave MacDonald rounds out the top ten on 58.

AusCycling Mountain Bike National Championships

13 MMBCC members raced on Mt Buller over the last few days, in various disciplines, resulting in a couple of podiums and an Australian Champion! Congratulations again to Siena on her win. (She even jumped the first road gap in her race run!)

SHORT COURSE CROSS COUNTRY (XCC) - raced on Friday

Ben Ross - 19th, U17 Men

Ryder Chadd - 24th, U19 Men

Ruby Dobson - 3rd, U23 Women

Here are the XCC results.

DOWNHILL - Saturday

Sienna Vivash - 1st and Australian Champion, U13 Women

Cooper Hoebergen - 14th, U15 Men

Shannon Rademaker - 9th, Masters 4 Men

Ewan Rogan - 21st, U17 Men

Blake Riley - 53rd, U17 Men

Spencer Carman - 38th, U19 Men

Jake Terry - 46th, U19 Men

Matt Empey - 30th, Elite Men

Here are the downhill results.

CROSS COUNTRY (XCO) - mostly Sunday

Ant Bateup - 5th, E-Bike Men (raced on Thursday)

Ben Ross - 15th, U17 Men

Bruce Halket - 3rd, Masters 7 Men

Ruby Dobson - 7th, U23 Women

Here are the XCO results.

Upcoming Events

Seymour Broadford CC Road Championships, graded scratch - Sat 28 March, Avenel.

Northern CC Ian Bishop Hcp - Sun 29 March, Seymour.

Shifty Fifty Round 1, The Wombat Classic - 29 March, Woodend. There are 7 rounds, 5 in Autumn, 2 in Spring.

Northern CC 46th Benghazi Handicap - Sat 25 April, Lancefield.

Finally…

Even if you don’t usually watch much Men’s Pro Road Cycling, take a few minutes to have a look at the highlights of yesterday’s 2026 Milan-San Remo - 298km and honestly, most of it is a snooze-fest. But the last 35km or so are brilliant with a win by the world’s best.

MTB Nats and Talent Wanted - MMBCC News - Tue 17 Mar

MTB Nats this weekend

By Tim Ross

AusCycling National Championships come to Mt Buller this weekend. MMBCC is well-represented with 13 club members racing.

In the Downhill, old master Shannon Rademaker leads the charge, with Matt Empey and Elise Empey lining up in the Elite, Jake Terry and Spencer Carman in the U19, Ewan Rogan and Blake Riley in the U17, with youngsters Cooper Hoebergen and Sienna Vivash in U15 rounding out the team. All competition is on the 'International' downhill track which begins at Spurs. Best viewing will be on Saturday with practice in the morning and racing in the afternoon.

In Cross Country, the MMBCC team is led by even older master Bruce Halket, with Ruby Dobson in U23, Ryder Chadd in U19, Ben Ross in U17 and Ant Bateup on the e-bike. Racing for the e-bikes is on Thursday, for XCC (short-course) is Friday, while the XCO (the main game) racing happens on Sunday. The XC courses are designed to be spectator friendly with the start/finish in the Buller Village Square.

Good luck to all our racers! If you want to see some top class MTB action get up to Buller on the weekend, I’m sure they’d appreciate your support. Here’s the event schedule.

Tourism North East looking for talent

By Korinne Arblaster

TNE (Ride High Country) is searching for some talent for Mt Buller on Monday 23 March. We’re looking for a road cyclist; just one. You!

Here some background information and what the day looks like:

The content capture is occurring to support a campaign promoting the reinvigorated 7 Peaks Challenge around the concept of ‘Climbs with Attitude’ and to showcase Victoria’s High Country’s amazing road riding. We will be focusing on capturing the personality of each ride, the emotion of riding it and the magnificent landscapes you ride through.

The day will be fun, consisting of capturing video and photo content of talent riding at 6 to 7 iconic locations on the route plus some supporting dining and accommodation to showcase the full ride getaway experience. For look and feel we are focusing on timeless and aspirational. Please see the schedule below.

• 06:50: 1. Meet Mansfield Coffee Merchant (7 min drive) >

• 07:40: 2. The “long straight” on Mt Buller Rd (20 min drive) >

• 08:00: 3. Mount Buller & Stirling Resort Entry (5 min drive) >

• 09:00: 4. Buller Gnome Tree & First Nations Wall (5 min drive) >

• 10:00: 5. White Bridge (& First Nations Wall) (10 min drive) >

• 11:15: 6. Hell’s Corner (2 min drive) >

• 12:15: 7. Mt Buller Sign (5 min drive) >

• 12:45: 8. The Village Square (5 min walk) > Break for lunch

• 14:00: 9. Mt Buller Chalet Suites - TBC

• 15:00: Shoot complete

• 15:45: Arrive in Mansfield

The lucky talent will be offered a $350 voucher per shoot day for a Victoria’s High Country business or experience of your choice (you can also split the voucher up between businesses) on the Victoria’s High Country website.

If you’re available on Monday 23 March and would like a $350 voucher, please contact Korinne Arblaster from TNE.

Matt, Cooper & Darren - MMBCC News - Sun 15 Mar

Huge weekend at the VDHS

A huge thanks to all everyone who came to Mansfield for the MMBCC’s round of the Victorian DownHill Series.

But a special thanks to all the MMBCC members who volunteered to help run the race.

And a special thanks to Dave, Kate, Mel, Alex, Matt and Zac.

Here are a few of the MMBCC member results:

Matt Empey - 2nd, Elite Men. Congratulations to Matt for winning the series in Elite Men!

Bella Green - 2nd, Elite Women

Stu Clark - 1st, Veteran Men. Second in the series in Vets Men for Stu - well done Stu!

Jake Terry - 11th, U19 Men

Spencer Carman - 16th, U19 Men

Ewan Rogan - 5th, U17 Men

Blake Riley - 14th U17 Men

Cooper Hoebergen - 20th, U15 Men

And thanks to Tim Ross for organising the pics. Here are the official results.

When Dave has time to breathe again, he’ll probably put a bit of a report together.

Dirt Crits Gravity Handicap

Another big night at Rifle Butts with 18 riders on the start list for just over a kilometre of descending and a tiny little climb in the middle, just for Bruce.

The fastest combined time was posted by Shannon Rademaker of 5.55 for two runs. Next came Spencer Carman on 6.04, Cam Dobson on 6.17 just ahead of Cooper Hoebergen on 6.18 and Luke Vivash got the final spot on the podium in a time of 6.23.

But the final results on handicap saw Cooper Hoebergen take the win ahead of Cam Dobson, Elliot Leatham, Spencer Carman and a three-way tie for fifth between Luke Vivash, Micah Chadd and Steve Curnow.

Here are the results. Thanks to Kate, Dave and their visitors for handling the timing. And to Tim Ross for all the action pics.

Well done all. Cross country next Tuesday and the AusCycling MTB Nationals on Buller starting on Wednesday through to Sunday on Mt Buller.

Pipped by a tyre

By Bruce Halket

A cooler night than usual greeted 12 MMBCC riders last Thursday. Starting at the Botanic Park, the course took riders north along Whitfield Road with a turnaround at Long Lane, then left onto Barwite Road to the end, then another u-turn back to town and finishing the 24km journey near the Showgrounds on Mt Battery Road.

The start list showed a couple of Daves to begin proceedings; Jagger off 13 minutes, followed by Bock off 10. The first group to go was Dave MacDonald and Craig ‘Wil’ Wilson off 6 minutes. Fresh off 3 Peaks last weekend, Dave MacDonald was expected to feature heavily at the pointy end with his highly improved fitness. At 11.30 was the ‘Block group of Simon Hall, Jock Brega, Tim Ross, Christy Rilen and Adrian Dowd.

Last on the list was Steve Duke, Darren Bakker and yours truly off Scratch. But just before the start, Simon Hall decided to start with the Scratch group, throwing the feline amongst the rats of the sky.

Scratch started strongly; we caught Dowd just before the turn into Barwite Road and the rest of Block shortly after the turn at about half distance. We then had six doing turns on the front once Jock and Christy had gotten their breath - then we really started to make headway.

We caught Wil and Dave just after returning to Whitfield Road and rounded up Bocky not long after that.

But we couldn’t even see the Handicapper, out front on his own.

Over Possums hill and we finally caught a glimpse of the Handicapper. We caught him just after the final turn onto Mt Battery Road and he let it be known he was none too pleased; his expletive-laden tirade was the amusing moment of the night.

First to attack up the Mt Battery Road finishing straight was Dave MacDonald but Simon Hall was quickly onto his wheel. I jumped onto Simon’s wheel, hoping he wouldn’t get too far ahead. With about 150m to go, I eased past Simon and with a clear road ahead, put my head down for the line.

With a high cadence, high heart rate and breathing at such a high volume, I could hardly hear a thing. All I could ‘hear’ was the crowd cheering me onto a glorious win.

But as any good St Kilda supporter knows, it isn’t over till it’s really over! The crowd cheering wasn’t in celebration, it was a warning. Danger loomed. Darren Bakker was sprinting and gaining.

Timing it perfectly, Bakks caught me mere centimetres before the line, so perfectly timed that I didn’t have time to react. Strongly motivated by not wanting to write this article two weeks in a row and channelling the late, great Denis Cometti, he snuck up on me like a Librarian, to take the win. Simon Hall was third.

A few seconds later, Jock Brega took fourth ahead of Steve Duke. Then there was another small gap to Dave MacDonald, Christy Riley, Wil Wilson and the Daves; Jagger and Bock.

A word of thanks to our Commissaire, Janine, and our officials, Micala, Mel, Steve and Tony, for running the race so smoothly and safely. In fact, with safety of the utmost important, one of the racers was disqualified for disobeying a marshals signal. Safety always comes first!

Here are the results.

Only three races to go this summer; next week it’s the classic Whitfield Road course, out to Sawpit Gully Road and back.

Ryder, Talia and NICA - MMBCC News - Sun 8 Mar

Team Ryder riders ride for Ryder

By Darren Bakker

The Mt Buller Cycling Club held its Thursday night handicap race on the Barwite Loop, a testing 21 kilometre course that riders know well. The highlight of the loop is the infamous Coombesberg, which appears about one-third of the way into the race and features a steep kilometre climb that has been responsible for many riders suddenly questioning their life choices.

Heading off first was John Eisner, followed by Craig Wilson and Steve Curnow.

The next group away included Jock Brega, Christy Rilen, Simon Mulvihill and Adrian Dowd.

Following them were Bruce Halket, Simon Hall and Darren Bakker, with the final group made up of the hotshots: Brenton Jones, Adam Van Stokrom, Luke Bagley, Ryder Chadd and Paul Scouller.

To make things slightly unfair for the rest of the field, the Team Ryder riders had already completed 180 kilometres earlier in the day riding from Albury to Mansfield as part of the Chain Reaction fundraiser ride. Most riders would call 180 kilometres a big day out — Team Ryder called it a warm-up.

In what turned out to be perfect riding conditions, John Eisner rolled out to start the race. Normally, if a rider can crest the Coombesberg before the faster groups arrive, there’s a good chance they can latch onto the passing wheels and hang on as the race comes back together.

But not tonight.

With Ryder and his hotshots in the final group, they soon began steamrolling their way through the field. Jock had his group riding like a well-oiled machine, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the freight train coming from behind.

When Ryder, Brenton and Adam finally caught Bruce Halket and Darren Bakker, it looked like they would disappear into the distance as well. But after a massive sustained sprint, Bakker managed to latch onto the back of them, clinging on with everything he had.

As the group continued to collect the remaining riders at speed, no one else was able to grab a wheel.

Approaching the Tolmie Road turn-off, the group glanced back and could still see Bakker hanging on like a little red caboose, refusing to be shaken loose.

Coming into the finish, Brenton Jones and Adam launched the lead-out, setting Ryder up perfectly for the sprint.

Ryder Chadd powered across the line for the win, second was Brenton and Adam third, with Bakker rolling in behind them with teeth marks in his handlebars to finish fourth.

Here are the results. Thanks go to all the commissaires, marshals and the Chain Reaction crew for helping make it another great night of racing. Thanks also to Tony for his race images and Micala for the podium pic.

Next week it’s the T-shaped Whitfield / Barwite Roads circuit, finishing at the Showgrounds again.

Knock em Down and Drag em Out:
Teams Racing For Sheep Stations

By Damian Grundy

What a fantastic season we are going to have. It’s fair to say that family pride is going to be a dominant feature of the racing this year. 2 Rosses, 2 Chadds, 2 Hoebergens; there is definitely much interest not only in the overall placings but there is a high level of fierce intra-family rivalry. 18 overall competitors.

As mentioned, the racing came together at the end for a very close overall battle.

Young Alastair Ross took overall honours in a hard ridden and well deserved win and also, obviously, taking out family honours for the night.

Spencer Carman was 2nd and Mika Chadd held off brother Ryder (4th) by 5 seconds for 3rd overall. Ryder had metaphorically ‘come-from-the-clouds’, overtaking Ben Ross in the final few corners. So Ben Ross was 5th.

1st female on the night was Nicole Hoebergen who finished just off the podium in 6th.

Tim Ross had a very serious race focus for the night and whilst he was beaten by both sons he achieved a very noteworthy performance of being 3rd fastest rider on course for the night behind Ryder Chadd (fastest) and Ben Ross (2nd fastest).

Congratulations to all and a special thanks to Ben Ross for marking out the course, Kate Stonnill for the assistance with results and Ryder for picking up the arrows after the race.

Well done to all competitors on the night.

Here is the official results sheet for placings and race speeds.

Talia in Spain

Tonight will see Talia’s Jayco Alula team racing the third and final stage of the Vuelta Extremadura Féminas, a lumpy 139km. Below is the profile of the stage.

Talia is currently 9th on GC, only 48 seconds behind leader Zoe Backstedt.

Her team mate, and current Aus Champion, Mackenzie Coupland is 4th at 14”.

Give it a Go with NICA

By Lynn Frerichs | NICA General Manager

I wanted to reach out directly as I think your members and their families would really enjoy what we have planned.

NICA is hosting a FREE Give It a Go Youth MTB Festival in Tumbarumba on Sunday 15 March 2026, a fun and relaxed event showcasing what NICA programs are all about: inclusive, community-driven riding for students in Years 5 to 12.

(MMBCC members should keep in mind that this is the same weekend as the club is hosting the final round of the VDHS. So while NICA seem to be hosting a great weekend, we could really do with your help to run DH race at Blue Range.)

Whether your members are kids who love riding or adults interested in getting involved as volunteer MTB coaches, this is a fantastic opportunity to come along, have a go, and experience NICA firsthand.

The day includes a coached pre-ride, on-bike games, a time trial, and a Q&A session with the NICA team, including visiting leadership from NICA USA. With the event set in the magnificent Tumbarumba, we encourage families to make a full weekend of it and enjoy the trails on Saturday as well.

Full event details are included below. We’d greatly appreciate your sharing this with your members and encouraging families to register.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Hope to see your crew out there!

Time to Ride!

Tumbarumba is an absolutely amazing place to ride. Join us for a fun weekend on bikes and meet other riders from around the region.

What is it?

This FREE NICA Give It a Go Festival is an exhibition event designed to showcase what NICA programs look and feel like — fun, inclusive, and community-driven.

Come along and see what it’s all about!

Who’s it for?

Students in Years 5 to 12.

You can participate in the full session or choose what interests you most.

Love racing? Jump into the Time Trial.
More into skills and games? The NICA on-the-bike games are for you.
Curious parent? NICA staff will be there to answer your questions.

Parents and community members are especially encouraged to attend and learn what’s involved in starting a NICA team in your community.

Schedule

Sunday 15 March 2026

8:30 – 9:00 am - Check-in

9:00 am - Session briefing

9:10 am - Session start, including coached pre-ride and NICA on-the-bike games

10:30 am - Time trial start

11:30 am - Presentations & Q&A

Please register early so we can prepare our NICA on-the-bike games and ensure Cycle Tumbarumba has time to organise lunch. Bring cash for the BBQ.

Make a weekend of it and ride the Mt Tumbarumba trails on Saturday, including the locals’ favourite trail, 'Tumba Rumble' with optional A-lines, huge berms and huge grins throughout. Be sure to book your pass and shuttles early: https://mttumbarumba.com.au/

We are also planning some fun activities on Saturday night at the Caravan Park. Details to follow.

Feel free to pass this along to anyone who might enjoy being part of a NICA program, whether as a participant or a coach. The more the merrier! Thank you!

Are you in?

Click here to register.

Questions?

Click here…

AusCycling Development Instructor course

By Melissa Ward | AusCycling Club Development Lead ‑ Victoria

As part of the Collaborative Club Capacity Building Program, focussed on strengthening our regional clubs, I am currently working with Cearna (CC) Mckenzie on our Workforce Team to provide training opportunities to clubs in regional Victoria.  With the funding courtesy of the Victorian Government’s Regional Sustainable Volunteer Workforce grant, our CCCB Program will provide financial support of 50% of the enrolment costs and will endeavour to conduct practical elements of the courses in the regions.

We have a number of regional VIC MTB clubs who have indicated that they would like MTB Development level training in the near future. I am pleased to share that the Workforce Team has connected with a regional club whose members are eager to host a Development Instructor MTB Course. We're currently reaching out to the community to gauge interest in joining Beechworth Chaingang on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2026.

For more information on the benefits of becoming a Development Instructor, please use this link. Note that you must already be an accredited Foundation Instructor MTB with minimum 20 hours logged instruction.

Action required: Could you please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in being involved in the Beechworth Development Instructor course later this month and names / email contacts ASAP. 

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email or 0478 778 445.

And finally…

A really good read on high-powered e-bikes.

Talia wins SPOTY - MMBCC News - Sun 1 Mar

Talia wins the Rotary Sportsperson of the Year!

Congratulations to the MMBCC’s Talia Appleton on her win in the Mansfield Courier / Mansfield Rotary Club Sportsperson of the Year for 2025.

Janine and Jarrod accepted the award on Talia’s behalf as she’s currently training and racing in Europe, based in Girona in north-eastern Spain.

Rilen rides away with the win

By Bruce Halket

A warm evening, competing social engagements, and possibly the lure of the couch saw a “select” turnout for the MMBCC Handicap Race on Thursday 26 February. Ten entrants faced the legendary Merinda Way Circuit - two and a half laps of lumpy, character-building terrain - now featuring a shiny new roundabout at the top of Highton Lane; this has replaced the old dangerous, bumpy corner with something slightly less confusing but significantly more symmetrical.

First away were the Limit riders, John Eisner and Dave “The Cruel Handicapper” Jagger: a man so feared he handicaps people in casual conversation. Six minutes later, Christy Rilen (visiting from Seymour) set off with Dave Bock. They were meant to be followed four minutes later by Adrian Dowd and Mauro “Jock” Brega, but when Jock pulled a Houdini, Adrian was promoted to Solo Artist.

At 11:30, Simon Hall and Tim Ross rolled out, with Darren Bakker scheduled to launch 90 seconds later. Darren had responsibly organised a substitute for his race duty, exercising his lawful right to pedal in circles instead. However, when another marshal couldn’t attend and no replacement could be found, Darren heroically pulled the pin on racing and resumed his post. In summary: Darren replaced the replacement of someone else. Cycling is simple.

Bringing up the rear at 13:30 was Bruce Halket.

From the gun, Bocky suspected he wasn’t at peak form. His suspicions were confirmed when Christy lost Bocky faster than a toupee in a cyclone and went full predator mode on the riders ahead.

Dave and John had begun at what could generously be described as “spirited conversation pace.” However, when Christy blasted past, conversation ceased entirely. Dave was in no mood to be overtaken by anyone else, so pulled off to the side of Monkey Gully Road with a puncture instead! John carried on alone, questioning life choices.

Simon and Tim reeled in Adrian at about halfway. A few kilometres later, Bruce joined the party. He briefly backed off to “rest”, planning a devastating attack that would leave only the worthy clinging to his wheel. The theory was flawless. The execution? Less so. Simon calmly followed, then rolled to the front and launched a surge that had Bruce reconsidering all previous life decisions. Eventually, Simon eased just enough for Bruce to survive, and the two worked together for the remainder, sweeping up nearly everyone in sight like vaguely aerodynamic vacuum cleaners.

Up front, Christy was untouchable, cruising home a minute and a half clear after a ride that can only be described as “ruthlessly efficient.”

Simon gallantly allowed Bruce to take second place — a selfless act motivated entirely by his desire to avoid writing this race report. Bruce also collected fastest time in 43:46.

Huge thanks to our volunteer marshals, without whom we would simply be a group of big kids riding around in circles with no supervision. And in recognition of Darren’s administrative gymnastics and general good-sport behaviour, he was awarded the Mansfield Hotel voucher for the week.

And a final message to those members who chose the couch - you’re a sad disappointment to us all.

Many thanks to Alex and Darren for the pics. Here are the results.

Next week it’s the Barwite Loop. Entries via Entry Boss by 8pm Wednesday.

AusCycling Road Race Taskforce

Due to declining numbers in road racing, our sport’s governing body is finally doing something about it by putting together a taskforce to discuss ways of improving all levels of road racing.

When they send you an email asking for your opinion, be sure to respond!

Here are the details.

Upcoming Events

Junior and Masters National Championships, 17-20 Sep 2026, Sunshine Coast, QLD.

Weekend Results

AusCycling MTB National Series

Friday 27 Feb, XCC, Ruby Dobson - 1st, Elite Women.

Sat 28 Feb, XCO, Ruby Dobson - 4th, U23 Women.

Sun 1 Mar, XCO, Ruby Dobson - 4th, U23 Women.

Here are the details.

VDHS Rd 5, Falls Creek

Cooper Hoebergen - 15th, U15 Male

Ewan Rogan - 56th, U17 Male

Spencer Carman - 32nd, U19 Male

Jake Terry - 38th, U19 Male

Matt Empey - 18th, Elite Male

Stu Clark - 2nd, Veterans Male

Here are the details.

OTWAY ODYSSEY, 30km MTB Race

Steve Curnow - 2nd, 60+ Men

Lise Andreasen - 1st, 60+ Women

Grant, Luke and John - MMBCC News - Sun 22 Feb

Here is the news.…

Rider Development Grants

Applications are now open for Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club High Performance Grants and Young Rider Development Grants for 2025-2026. 

These grants provide financial assistance for MMBCC cyclists aged 25 and under.  The  grants are designed to encourage and support the development of young riders at varying levels in their cycling careers. Grants are available to assist with the cost of entry fees, travel, accommodation, equipment or training.

The grants are open to cyclists in any of the club’s cycling disciplines – road, mountain-biking (cross-country, downhill and enduro), cyclocross, gravel or BMX.   

Applications will close on 28th February, 2026.  

• Young Rider Development Grants - bronze ($250), silver ($500), gold ($1000)

• High Performance Grant ($2000)

The following criteria must be met by the successful applicants:

• be under 25 years of age by 31st December 2026;

• be a fully paid up member of MMBCC for a minimum of 2 calendar years;

• must complete an application to MMBCC prior to 28th Feb 2026; and

• grant recipients (or a family member) must commit at least one full day of volunteer labour at MMBCC events. High Performance Grant recipients will be expected to report back to members at the 2025/2026 AGM.

The MMBCC Executive Committee assesses applications and may seek advice and input from third-parties (e.g. non committee and other sporting bodies) on an as-needs basis.

The following points are not essential eligibility criteria but will be considered by the committee as part of its assessment process:

• participation and/or results in regional, state, interstate , national and international events;

• selection for state and/or national training/development camps or teams;

• receipt of sponsorships or grants from other organisations/businesses; and 

• planned use of money - e.g. travel reimbursement, accommodation reimbursement, equipment purchase, entry fee etc.

Please email all applications to mmbcc.info@gmail.com

Application closing date: 28th February, 2026.

Successful grants will be announced by 31st March 2026. 

Luke 2 Consistent

By Damian Grundy

Last Tuesday saw the MMBCC hold another ‘traditional’ first off event - 2 laps of the same course for every rider with each lap timed; the rider able to complete 2 laps with the most consistent times wins!

The lap was a good 2.2km and in Rifle Butts Park every option will offer a great MTB challenge.

There are anarchists in every crowd and this week Ryder Chadd fronted on his cyclocross bike. This was a brave choice as the descents at Rifle Butts are currently rough and rocky, to say the least! Not favourable to going fast on a skinnier tyre!

Let me just say how fantastic it was to see our biggest turn out for the season for an XC night. 24 starters!! Thanks for coming everyone.

Once the laps were completed and the dust had settled … and the timing crew (Thanks heaps as always to Kate Stonnill and this week Steve Curnow for managing the timing) had worked through the calculations the results were out. There have been times for these events where a difference of 20 seconds between laps would put a rider on the podium. But not this time!

Holding sway on the night was LUKE VIVASH with an incredible 0, yes ZERO second difference. 2 laps at 10 min 52 sec apiece! Well done Luke.

I felt confident that my 2 laps at 1 second variation would be enough but no. It was to be a second place for me. In third was Alastair Ross with 2 seconds difference then Ant Bateup in fourth on 4 seconds and Dave Bock in fifth at 6 seconds.

Well done everyone. Here are the results. See you next week for a gravity night.

Volunteers Needed

By Clare Hoey - AusCycling Event Coordinator ‑ MTB/CX

No experience necessary.

2026 GWM MOUNTAIN BIKE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - Mt Buller - Wednesday 18 - Sunday 22 March

Get closer to the action at the upcoming 2026 GWM National Mountain Bike Championships by volunteering trackside as a course marshal.

We offer flexible 5-hour shifts and some great perks including:

• Official AusCycling Events Volunteer T-shirt

• Delicious catered lunch provided on site

• FREE event entry for you or a loved one after the completion of two of more shifts

You will have the best view on the mountain and it is the perfect way to support your local MTB community!

Register to volunteer today. Click here to find out more.

Eisner on the limit off LImit

By Ben Grundy

The Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club’s 22km race on 19 February 2026 delivered plenty of action and a few decisive moments that shaped the final standings.

In a strong showing, Bruce Halket set the fastest time of the day, riding a consistent and powerful race to top the results.

John Eisner rode alone off the front for the entire race and claimed the win, producing a dominant solo performance from start to finish.

One of the key moves came on Coombesberg Hill, where Ben Grundy put in a telling effort to drop Craig Wilson. That surge proved decisive, allowing Grundy to gain the upper hand and secure second place, with Wilson rounding out the podium in third after a solid ride. The pair had been evenly matched for much of the race but the move on the climb created the gap that ultimately stuck.

Further back, there was late drama as Ben Ross managed to distance Darren Bakker close to the finish. After riding strongly together, Ross found a little extra in the closing stages to edge clear. With strong rides across the field and plenty of tactical racing on display, it was another successful and entertaining outing for the local cycling community.

Here are the results and thanks again to Tony Copland for his photos.

Next week, with the roundabout finished on Monkey Gully Road, it’s time for the Merinda Way Loop.

Longwood, Rifle Butts and Jamieson - MMBCC News - Sun 15 Feb

Lots to get through this week… take a seat!

Seymour Broadford Cycling Club
LONGWOOD FIRE RELIEF RACE

Next Saturday 21 February the SBCC will host a fundraising handicap road race at Longwood, with entry money being donated to help support those affected by the fires.

It’d be really great if we could get a few MMBCC members across for a pedal and support this worthy cause.

Entries and details via Entry Boss. Here are a few more details on Facebook.

Rider Development Grants

Applications are now open for Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club High Performance Grants and Young Rider Development Grants for 2025-2026. 

These grants provide financial assistance for MMBCC cyclists aged 25 and under.  The  grants are designed to encourage and support the development of young riders at varying levels in their cycling careers. Grants are available to assist with the cost of entry fees, travel, accommodation, equipment or training.

The grants are open to cyclists in any of the club’s cycling disciplines – road, mountain-biking (cross-country, downhill and enduro), cyclocross, gravel or BMX.   

Applications will close on 28th February, 2026.  

1 Young Rider Development Grants - bronze ($250), silver ($500), gold ($1000)

2 High Performance Grant ($2000)

The following criteria must be met by the successful applicants:

• be under 25 years of age by 31st December 2026;

• be a fully paid up member of MMBCC for a minimum of 2 calendar years;

• must complete an application to MMBCC prior to 28th Feb 2026; and

• grant recipients (or a family member) must commit at least one full day of volunteer labour at MMBCC events. High Performance Grant recipients will be expected to report back to members at the 2025/2026 AGM.

The MMBCC Executive Committee assesses applications and may seek advice and input from third-parties (e.g. non committee and other sporting bodies) on an as-needs basis.

The following points are not essential eligibility criteria but will be considered by the committee as part of its assessment process:

• participation and/or results in regional, state, interstate , national and international events;

• selection for state and/or national training/development camps or teams;

• receipt of sponsorships or grants from other organisations/businesses; and 

• planned use of money - e.g. travel reimbursement, accommodation reimbursement, equipment purchase, entry fee etc.

Please email all applications to mmbcc.info@gmail.com

Application closing date: 28th February, 2026.

Successful grants will be announced by 31st March 2026. 

Chris, Ryder and James take the wins

By Bruce Halket

The first Gravity Enduro of 2026 was held last Tuesday on a relatively short course at Rifle Butts. The shorter course allowed time for three separate, timed runs per racer, making the total time about the same as most other weeks.

Chris Williams on his e-bike was fastest overall on the night.

However, fastest on an ‘acoustic’ bike was Ryder Chadd, followed by Cam Dobson, Ben Ross, Cooper Hoebergen and Lucas Bellman completed the podium.

The final results, after handicap calculations, saw James Camileri take the win ahead of Lucas Mennen, Tim Ross, Nicole Hoebergen and Dave Bock.

In the far more important family competitions, Tim wins the Ross Household Trophy for the week ahead of Ben and Alastair, while Nicole takes the equivalent in the Hoebergen Household ahead of Cooper.

After a few weeks collecting handicap data, from now on we’ll see more time ‘penalties’ applied to those who’ve benefitted from the Handicaps thus far, making for more accurate calculations and more even results. Hopefully.

Here are Kate’s very neat and detailed results. Next weeks it’s back to XC.

2026 BakKer Plumbing Handicap

By Simon Mulvihill

The rolling ribbon of road from Jamieson to Kevington, tracing the sparkling bends of the Upper Goulburn River, dished up the perfect backdrop for a proper, old-school handicap cycling showdown for the 2026 Bakker Plumbing Handicap. Smooth tarmac, sneaky rises, and just enough false flat to make you doubt your gearing choices.

Off the Front – 20 Minute Man

Dave Jagger rolled out with a very handy 20-minute start and rode like a bloke who had no intention of giving it back. By the turnaround on the out-and-back course, his buffer had been slashed to just three minutes — the scratch and back markers were in full flight behind him — but Dave kept the cadence high and the panic low. When the charging hordes came into sight, he didn’t fold. He held them off to take a well-earned win.

The Chasers – Splits and Surges

Behind, the big 19-minute bunch absolutely detonated. What began as organised turns through-and-off quickly turned into survival mode as the pace ramped up. Simon M and Adrian Dowd timed their moves perfectly, bridging across the carnage and setting up their podium finishes with strong, measured riding.

Mauro ‘Jock’ Brega was in the thick of it too, doing his best to “hold back the Spanish horses” as the tempo surged. Sadly, with 900 metres to go, mechanical heartbreak, a puncture, ended his charge just as the finish line banners were coming into focus. Brutal timing.

Fastest on the Road

Ryder Chadd, starting off Scratch, went full predator mode. He carved through the field with purpose, mowing down group after group before launching into a cracking sprint finish with Oliver Hall to snatch 6th. Fastest time of the day and serious horsepower on display.

Podium Results:

🥇 Dave Jagger

🥈 Simon Mulvihill

🥉 Adrian Dowd

A ripping handicap battle along the Goulburn; tactics, teamwork, splits, and suffering. The river rolled on peacefully. The legs? Not so much.

Many thanks to Tricia and Darren of Bakker Plumbing for their continued support of the MMBCC.

Here are the results and thanks again to Tony Copland for his photos.

Weekend Results

VIC CHAMP SERIES Rd 5 and Victorian Championships, Eildon, Saturday 14 Feb

Ruby Dobson - 2nd, Elite Women

Ant Bateup - 2nd, E-bike Open

Alastair Ross - 3rd, U13 Men

VIC CHAMP SERIES Rd 6, Buxton, Sunday 15 Feb.

Ruby Dobson - 3rd, Elite Women

Ant Bateup - 2nd, E-bike Open

Ben Ross - 10th, U17 Men

Alastair Ross - 2nd, U13 Men

VDHS Rd 4, Mt Baw Baw, Sunday 15 Feb

Matt Empey - 2nd, Elite Male

Cooper Hoebergen - 17th, U15 Male

Stu Clark - 4th, Veteran Male

Nicole Hoebergen - 1st, Masters Female

Spencer Carman - 17th, U19 Male

CANNONBALL FESTIVAL, Thredbo

RockShox Downhill

Jake Terry - 40th (out of 80 entrants), U19 Men

Ewen Rogan - 21st (out of 108 entrants), U17 Men

Sienna Vivash - 1st, U13 Women

Miles Vivash - 1st, U11 Men

Fox Flow Motion Cup

Shannon Rademaker - 11th, Masters 40+ Men

Jake Terry - 46th, U19 Men

Ewen Rogan - 25th (out of 92 entrants), U17 Men

Sienna Vivash - 1st, U13 Women

Miles Vivash - 1st, U11 Men

Specialized Enduro

Jake Terry - 37th, U19 Men

Sienna Vivash - 1st, U13 Women

Miles Vivash - 1st, U11 Men

25/26 Rider Development Grants

Applications are now open for Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club High Performance Grants and Young Rider Development Grants for 2025-2026. 

These grants provide financial assistance for MMBCC cyclists aged 25 and under.  The  grants are designed to encourage and support the development of young riders at varying levels in their cycling careers. Grants are available to assist with the cost of entry fees, travel, accommodation, equipment or training.

The grants are open to cyclists in any of the club’s cycling disciplines – road, mountain-biking (cross-country, downhill and enduro), cyclocross, gravel or BMX.   

Applications will close on 28th February, 2026.  

1. Young Rider Development Grants - bronze ($250), silver ($500), gold ($1000)

2. High Performance Grant ($2000)

The following criteria must be met by the successful applicants:

• be under 25 years of age by 31st December 2026;

• be a fully paid up member of MMBCC for a minimum of 2 calendar years;

• must complete an application to MMBCC prior to 28th Feb 2026; and

• grant recipients (or a family member) must commit at least one full day of volunteer labour at MMBCC events. High Performance Grant recipients will be expected to report back to members at the 2025/2026 AGM.

The MMBCC Executive Committee assesses applications and may seek advice and input from third-parties (e.g. non -ommittee and other sporting bodies) on an as-needs basis.

The following points are not essential eligibility criteria but will be considered by the committee as part of its assessment process:

• participation and/or results in regional, state, interstate , national and international events;

• selection for state and/or national training/development camps or teams;

• receipt of sponsorships or grants from other organisations/businesses; and 

• planned use of money - e.g. travel reimbursement, accommodation reimbursement, equipment purchase, entry fee etc.

Please email all applications to mmbcc.info@gmail.com

Application closing date: 28th February, 2026

Successful grants will be announced by 31st March 2026. 

Heaps of Juniors & an old bloke from Cairns - MMBCC News - Sat 7 Feb

Junior MTB Series at Blue Range

By Bruce Halket & Tim Ross

What a great morning we’ve just had up at Blue Range! What could possibly be better than a whole heaps of kids having a fun time riding their bikes? The location was perfect; the shade in the pine forest provided a cool, pleasant venue on a hot Mansfield morning.

There were 59 kids racing on the day, a whopping 18 from Mansfield! The most competitive category was the Under 11 Boys with 20 entrants. But the highlight was the Under 7s and 5s.

Misadventure is so often a part of MTB racing and this event was no exception! Hunter Hughes, Angus A and Logan H all had crashes and had to withdraw, thankfully no major injuries. Barry H didn’t let a dropped chain deter him, running his bike 100m to the finish (as is allowed), losing just one place in the process.

A huge thanks to Damian, Cam, Tim and Lucas for designing and building a great track, but especially Damian and Cam who did the bulk of the work! All the feedback has been terrific; it was hard enough to be a challenge but still easy enough to be lots of fun for all.

Many thanks to all the MMBCC members and parents who volunteered. Thanks also to Shannon for the mechanical support and donating the spot prizes which were a real hit.

Great job everyone!

Under 15 Boys

Ben Ross

Jasper Watts

Under 13 Boys

Micah Chadd

Alastair Ross

Hunter Hoebergen

Under 13 Girls

Clementine Aldridge

Under 11 Boys

Oliver Clark

Barry Hempenstall

Jarrah Bateup

Stirling Aldridge

Kai Brophy

Finley Morphett

Hunter Hughes

Angus Adams

Under 9 Boys

Aemon Van Der Heyden

Logan Hughes

Under 7 Boys

Reuben Clark

Here are the details results from My Race Result.

Thanks to Greg Aldridge, Caitlin Riley, Nicole Ross, Dave Bock and Nicole Hoebergen for the pics.

Ruttiman rides away

By Oliver Hall

The Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club held their weekly road race on Thursday evening. It was a longer course of 29km starting at the Botanical Park. The race proceeded out the Mansfield-Whitfield Road for about 13km before turning at Sawpit Gully Road. On the return, the course turned onto Mansfield-Whitfield Rd and then onto the Old Tolmie Road for an uphill finish on ‘The Coombesberg’.

The race was started by David Jagger and John Eisner with riders being released in groups of 2-4. All riders had started after 16 minutes with Bruce Halket and Ryder Chadd off Scratch.

The large group of Steve Duke, Darren Bakker, Simon Hall, Ben Ross and Oliver Hall, who started off 15 minutes, made good ground at the start of the race catching Janine Appleton, Tim Ross and Adrian Dowd before the first turn at Sawpit Gully Road. This group rode together for the return along Mansfield-Whitfield Road before the original 5 riders advanced on the leading groups along the Barwite Road. They then proceeded to catch the remaining front markers apart from Mark Ruttiman before the final climb.

Mark, who had attacked from his group early in the race, maintained his lead to the finish, winning by 40 seconds.

A competitive finish occurred for 2nd and 3rd place. Ben crossed the line second but was unfortunately disqualified, so Oliver finished second and Steve finished third, followed by Simon and Darren. Ryder

It was an excellent evening race, and many thanks go to the MMBCC volunteers and committee for the running and management.

Here are the results and thanks as always to Tony for his photos.

Next week is one of the highlights of the MMBCC Summer Road Race Series, the Bakker Plumbing Handicap at Jamieson.

Ryder is hot! plus more - MMBCC News - Sun 1 Feb

There’s lots happening this week… strap in…

PMBIA Level 1 course - Mt Buller - 25-27 Feb

By Shannon Rademaker

The PMBIA Level 1 Mountain Bike Certification is a perfect place to start your instructor journey and is designed to train instructors how to teach and guide mountain biking.

PMBIA - the gold standard of certification in the global MTB industry. For more information and to book click here.

Dirt Crits is back!

By Damian Grundy

Dirt Crits starts again this Tuesday. However, instead of being held at Rifle Butts MTB Park, this one will be held at Blue Range.

The club has built a new track for the Alpine Cycling Club’s Junior MTB Race which will be held on the same venue next Saturday 7 February.

The first Dirt Crits will be a way to test out the track and bed it in for the following Saturday’s race.

If you need a lift up to Van der Hayden’s property, call Damian on 0411 045 771 and meet at Rifle Butts at 5.30. Otherwise, see you up at Blue Range for a 6pm start!

(Next week Tuesday 10 February will be the first Gravity Handicap of 2026 at Rifle Butts. After that, we alternate XC and DH each week at Rifle Butts till the end of Daylight Savings. See MMBCC Events for more details.)

MTB Nationals volunteers wanted

By Dave Empey

AusCycling are looking for volunteers for the MTB Nationals, which will be held at Mt Buller from 18-22 March.

Click here if you’d like to be involved.

Ryder is hot!

By Steve Duke

Well… everyone was, actually.

With the predicted heat and the humidity that the day brought with it meant there were only 9 riders who turned up for the evening’s sign-on at the race start at Lords Oval last Thursday 29 January. The Commissaires and Marshals for the evening, Tony Copland, Bruce Halket, Mel Green and Steve Curnow along with Tony Morris and Allan Gerrans were keeping an eye on the temperature to make sure that it was safe to race.

Dave Jagger started off Limit after having a break off the bike for a few weeks. It’s always hard being a lone rider.

Next at 3 minutes, also on his own, was Dave Bock, then another 3 minutes was Craig Wilson making up the trio of solo riders.

The next 3 groups had the advantage of having 2 riders together. Darren Bakker and Adrian Dowd of at a further 4 minutes, Steve Duke and Simon Hall at further one minute followed off at another one minute was Bruce Halket and Ryder Chadd. Making a total of 12 minutes from Limit to Scratch for the evening’s hot and torturous ride.

Apart from the heat, the race was relatively uneventful. Other than Simon having a bit of an off in the loose gravel at the turn around. He was super quick to get himself back up onto his bike and quickly regaining his fast pace. Showing his experience and toughness as a rider. Also, for the evening Dave must have had a slow leak in a tyre, that would have definitely hindered his evenings ride, especially when it finally blew out on the ride home from the race finish.

The evening’s results were Ryder first across the line with fastest time followed 2 seconds later by Steve, Darren and Bruce. They were all racing for a bunch finish but the younger legs were the quickest, smartly followed by the eldest. The other two, well… that’s just what happens when you don’t want to write the article! Next closely behind was Simon, then Adrian, Dave, Craig and Dave.

Here are the results.

Thank you to the Commissaires and Marshalls for braving the heat and without whom we would not be able to race and to the team at the Mansfield Hotel for their support.

Next week it’s the Coombesberg!

In the meantime, here are the points so far…

MacDonald does it again - MMBCC News - Sat 24 Jan

Dirt Critters Update

By Luke Vivash (and Damian Grundy)

Entries are now open for the Mansfield round of the ACC Junior MTB Race Series here in Mansfield on the morning of Saturday 7 February. Entries are available by clicking on this link.

The race will be held at 'Blue Range', a private property about 2km south along Rifle Butts Road. We hope that most of our Dirt Critters will choose to participate in the race and show off our local MTB scene to visitors from Bright, Beechworth, etc.

We will need some help on the morning to run the event, mainly for roles like track marshalls, so please let us know if you’re able to help.

In the meantime, there are opportunities for the kids to ride the track over the holidays.  

During January some bike club members will be riding there and Dirt Critters (all ages) are welcome to join them.

To participate, meet at Rifle Butts Reserve at 5pm this Tuesday, and/or 9:30am the next two Sundays… and we'll travel to the new MTB track together.

We should be able to arrange a lift / shuttle for any Dirt Critters who don't have one. Parents should turn up at Rifle Butts and negotiate arrangements/ give permission with either Luke or with Damian Grundy.

I should mention that even on hot days it is significantly cooler at the new MTB track so don't let warm weather put you off!

In the meantime, I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and getting a chance to do some riding.

Two in a row for MacDonald

By Oliver Hall

On Thursday evening the Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club held their weekly road race. The course started at the Mansfield Botanic Gardens, riding out the Mansfield-Whitfield Rd before turning at Long Lane. On the return, the course turned onto the Barwite Road, turning at its end, before returning to the Mansfield-Whitfield Rd to conclude the race at the showgrounds. This presented an undulating course, with an uphill sprint finish.

The race started with the handicapper releasing riders predominantly in groups of 2 or 3 riders. John Eisner started first, followed 5 minutes behind by Tim Hall and David Bock. The riders at the rear were Darren Bakker, Simon Hall and Heath Hammond together 12 minutes behind Eisner and Ryder Chadd by himself at 13 minutes.

It was a windy night, with a southerly wind providing a tail wind for the start of the race. This allowed the bunches to make good time, with them slowly coming closer together. This was unfortunate for Ryder who lost ground early on.

After the U-turn at Long Lane, the head wind allowed the front and rear bunches to combine, leaving Janine Appleton and Oliver Hall between them. Shortly after his bunch caught Tim and David B, David MacDonald attacked on his own.

Halfway along Barwite Road, the rear bunch caught Janine and Oliver who joined with them for the remainder of the race. On the return along Barwite Road, this large bunch caught the front bunch, positioning themselves second behind David M. His large lead kept him safe and allowing him to finish first.

Oliver attacked as the bunch started the short climb to the finish, finishing 8 seconds behind David M.

He was followed by Darren B (who got Fastest Time), Simon Hall and Steve Duke.

A big thank you, as always, goes to the MMBCC volunteers and committee for running an excellent race and to Tony for his images.

Here are the results.

Next week it’s Howes Creek Road, hopefully it’s not too hot. And at presentations at the Mansfield Hotel next week, we’ll be looking for volunteers for the Junior MTB race on Saturday 7 February.

Dave wins first race of '26 - MMBCC News - Sun 18 Jan

MacDONALD makes it look easy

By Simon Hall

Last Thursday was the return to road racing for Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club. Driving in to Mansfield presented an interesting weather proposition, a huge storm cell to the east and clear skies to the west. Luckily the course used Howes Creek Road, Cummins Road and O’Hanlon Roads. After a brief delay to the start, riders were provided with pleasant yet windy conditions for racing.

The handicapper sent everyone off in either pairs or singles. John Eisner leading the way a full 20 minutes in front of the loan Scratch rider. Eisner was followed by Tim Hall and David McDonald, then Jarrod Appleton. Heath Hammond missed both his partner who was a late cancellation and somehow his start time. Then came in-form Steve Duke with Simon Hall, Ryder Chad and Bruce Halket and finally Talia Appleton.

On the way to the McMillan Point turn around, McDonald rode away from T Hall and took the lead with Hall and Eisner pairing up. Duke and S Hall picked up Hammond and then the threesome rode well together, collecting Appleton and making good inroads into the leaders.

The biggest factor for this course is the uphill finish that knocks everyone around at the end of the race. This is where the places changed. With a good ride, McDonald was safe by a couple of minutes, followed by S Hall and then Duke.

Chadd, Halket and Appleton all finished at the back in their starting order, Talia taking fastest time by just 3 seconds!

Thanks goes to the MMBCC committee and volunteers to keep such good racing going. And to Tony Copland for his weekly images.

Here are the results.

Next week it’s the new-ish Whitfield / Barwite Road course, finishing at the Showgrounds.

Weekend results

VDHS, Mt Beauty

Stu Clark - 4th, Veteran Men.

Cooper Hoebergen - 14th, U15 Men.

Jake Terry - 17th, U19 Men.

Ewan Rogan - 42nd, U17 Men.

Here are the detailed results.

Blue Range XC track

A quick reminder about the new XC course in the pines at the top of the hill, at The Vanderhaydens Property “Blue Range”  206 Rifle Butts Road for our hosting of the Alpine Junior MTB Series XC race on Saturday 7 February.

Twice weekly, Tuesdays at 5pm and Sunday mornings at 9.30am, come on up and help us bed the track in. Depending on numbers and interest we may run some impromptu races as well.

If you are looking for a lift up please shoot me a message (Damian 0411 045 771) to give me a heads up.

Be great to see people up there, if you are between the age of 4 and 15 then there will be a race for you on February 7th so come on up and have a look at the track.

In Summary:

Tuesday 20 January – 5pm

Sunday 25 January – 9.30am

Tuesday 27 January – 5pm

Sunday 1 February – 9.30am

Tuesday 3 February – 5pm: the first Dirt Crits XC race for 2026

New Year News - MMBCC News - Mon 5 Jan

Happy New Year to you all and all the best for 2026.

New mtb course at ‘South’ Blue Range

By Damian Grundy

A quick update on progress for our hosting of the Alpine Junior MTB Series XC race.

The race date is Saturday 7 February.

The venue is at The Vanderhaydens Property “Blue Range”  206 Rifle Butts Road. This is the same venue as the VDHS race early last year.

We have established an XC course in the pines at the top of the hill. It’s a fun little track, typical pine forest trails, so quite different to the trails in the MTB Park! But we need to bed the course in and possibly tweak it a little as we get closer to the race.

To this end, during January, we will be doing some regular riding up at the venue.

Starting this Tuesday and twice weekly, Tuesdays at 5pm and Sunday mornings at 9.30am, come on up and help us out… get some fitness happening. Depending on numbers and interest we may run some impromptu races as well.

Given the venue’s location (it is a bit of a climb to get up there) we will offer a shuttle service with pick up at the Rifle Butts mountain bike park 30min before each ride. If you are looking for a lift up please shoot me a message (Damian 0411 045 771) to give me a heads up. It’d be great to see people up there!

If you’re between 4 and 15 years old, there will be a race for you on Saturday 7 February. So come on up and do some reconnaissance.

There are quite a few opportunities for involvement for all club members and it’ll be great to see you there; if not for all of the rides at least a couple of times 😊.

In Summary:

Tuesday 6 January – 5pm

Sunday 11 January – 9.30am

Tuesday 13 January – 5pm

Sunday 18 January – 9.30am

Tuesday 20 January – 5pm

Sunday 25 January – 9.30am

Tuesday 27 January – 5pm

Sunday 1 February – 9.30am

Tuesday 3 February – 5pm: the first Dirt Crits XC race for 2026

What’s Talia up to?

By Jarrod Appleton

Talia has been training really hard for the Australian Road Nationals. Lots of time on the bike combined with heat training. Heat training entails either 45 minutes on the stationary bike in the laundry with a heater raising the temperature to 40+ degrees or 45 minutes in a sauna at 70 degrees. She departs this Wednesday for Perth and will be racing the criterium at 5:30pm Friday and the road race on Sunday at 1:30pm. Both races are live on SBS. It will be her first outing in the Liv Alula Jayco kit.

After Nationals Talia returns to Mansfield from Perth for more training. Unfortunately due to the new UCI rules she will not race the Tour Down Under or Cadels Race this year. Under the new 2026 rules, riders registered to Continental level teams can no longer do World Tour level races. The Liv Alula Development Team that Talia is racing with this year is a Continental team. It's a real shame for the Australian racing scene. The top Australian domestic teams can no longer be invited to the TDU or Cadels.

However Talia is racing one more time in Australia at the Surf Coast Classic https://www.cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au/womens-surf-coast-classic/overview/ at the end of January, before flying to Europe on the 2nd of February. She has rented an apartment in Girona sharing it with two young female Canadian riders.

Talia has her race calendar until the end of June and she's very happy with it. The team has prioritised stage races with climbing in southern Europe rather than flat races in the north. And excitingly her first two races in February she has been invited to join the World Tour Team for https://setmanaciclista.com/ and https://clasicadealmeria.net/2018/ . Setmana Ciclista Valenciana is a four stage race in Spain categorised as 2.Pro so both WWT and Conti riders can compete. It attracts the big hitters who are not interested in the World Tour races in the middle east in February. Last year Demi Vollering won beating Kasia Niewiadoma and Elisa Longoborgini. So hopefully Talia gets to race these legends again (she raced them in the Tour de Suisse in 2024). These races can be viewed with a Staylive subscription https://app.staylive.io/cycling/en/.

Upcoming Events

Thu 15 Jan - MMBCC Handicap Howes Creek Road (O’Hanlon’s finish) - the first race for 2026 finishes on everyone’s favourite hill (insert your favourite eye roll emoji here). Enter here by 8pm Wed 14 Jan.
Marshals are: Steve Brown, Steve Curnow and Simon Hall. Commissaires: Janine Appleton and Tim Ross.

Wed 7 Jan–Sun 11 Jan - Road National Champs, Perth, WA.

Fri 16 Jan–Sun 25 Jan - Tour Down Under, Adelaide, SA.

Wed 28 Jan–Sun 1 Feb - Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Geelong, Vic.

Tue 3 Feb - First MMBCC Dirt Crits XC of 2026, South Blue Range, Mansfield.

Sat 7 Feb - Alpine Junior MTB Series by All Terrain Cycles, round 5, South Blue Range, Mansfield.

Tue 10 Feb - First MMBCC Gravity Dirt Crits of 2026, venue to be confirmed.

Sat 14 Mar - VDHS, round 6 - South Blue Range. MMBCC hosting the final round of the Victorian Downhill Series.

Thu 18 Mar–Sun 22 Mar - GWM MTB National Championships, Mt Buller.

Steve, Andy and LDO - MMBCC News - Sun 14 Dec

Weekend results

Seymour Broadford CC Handicap, Northwood Road out and back, 43km, Saturday 13 Dec.

Steve Duke: 1st! Click on the SBCC Facebook post for more details. Well done Stevie!!

AusCycling XC MTB National Series, Rounds 3 and 4, Harcourt

Round 3, Saturday.

Ruby Dobson: 5th, Elite Women. (Punctured half way through the first lap and had to run to the pits for repairs - so great result considering…)

Ben Ross: 10th, U17 Men.

Round 4, Sunday.

Ruby Dobson: 4th, Elite Women.

Ben Ross: 11th, U17 Men.

Alpine Cycling Club Junior MTB Race Series, Enduro at Nail Can Hill, Albury.

Angus A, Hunter & Logan H, Jarrah B all competed. Jarrah 3rd in U11 Boys.

Well done all!

Garrett too good

By Carl Simmons

Twenty-one riders lined up for the final handicap race of 2025 in near-perfect conditions on the out-and-back course along Merinda Way. The revised route, altered by recent roadworks, sent the field twice along the same stretch, setting the scene for an aggressive and tactical evening of racing.

With a 15 minute 30 second spread from Limit to Scratch, newcomer Jarrrah O’Brien was first to roll off, followed closely by the club’s savvy handicapper, David Jagger, who had traded the calculator for a race number.

Chasing groups wasted no time; Tim Ross, Jarrod Appleton and Adrian Dowd drove hard from the start as they tried to bridge across to the early leaders. However, Jarrod punctured 2km into the race making it hard work for Adrian and Tim. At least he had a good view of the rest of the race!

With an elevation gain of 240m in the 22km meant that the group of Janine Appleton, Steve Curnow, Simon Mulvihill and Craig Wilson had to work hard to bridge across to the early markers.

Scratch markers, Carl Simmons and the inform Andrew Garrett, settled into their work to begin their long task of reeling in the outmarkers. By the 10 km turn they had swept up the ‘Block riders, with Ryder Chadd and Bruce Halket joining forces so the combined quartet could put their heads down and carve into the remaining gap.

At the halfway mark Steve Duke was prominent, showing off his share of the pace on a new bike sourced from local Mansfield great Simon Gerrans earlier in the week. The group of Steve Duke, Simon Hall, Ben Ross and Seymour rider, Cristy Rilen, were looking the goods at the half way mark.

It was at the final turnaround, when the bunches finally merged, that the race tightened and promised a dramatic run to the finish.

Sensing his opportunity, with 5km to the finish Garrett launched a solo attack, committing fully to a long-range effort to the line. Chadd and Halket threw everything into the chase in a bid to drag the Scratch riders back, but Garrett’s strong form all season was on display as he held off the late charge to take the win and fastest time.

Fellow ‘Scratchie’ Simmons crossed just behind for second, followed by Halket, Duke, Chadd, Ben Ross, Hall, Tim Ross, Janine Appleton and Simon Mulvihill rounded out the top ten.

Handicapper Jagger could claim success as well, with the entire field finishing within two minutes, underlining how even the Xmas Handicap was. Here are the results. And thanks for the pics John.

Many thanks to all our marshals and officials - see you on Thursday 15 January for the resumption of the 25/26 Summer Road Race Series.

MMBCC Xmas Party

6pm, Friday 19 December in the courtyard of the Mansfield Hotel.

Club will provide food for all members.

RSVP via MMBCC WhatsApp feed.

Locals Day Out is back for summer

Things are all go for Mt Buller, with Bus Fleet running shuttles in the gravity zone from Mirimbah every Friday to Monday until 27 Dec.  From then they’ll be operating services from Mansfield, with pickups in Mirimbah according to our locals day out timetable, below.

MMBCC members get half price transfers on the Explorer Shuttle services 8.30am from Mansfield up to Mt Buller and 5.30pm back to Mansfield.

Santa, Elliot, Wil and Talia - MMBCC News - Sun 7 Dec

What! You’ve haven’t subscribed to MMBCC News on the website? Shrug emoji.

MMBCC Xmas PartIES

The ‘formal’ one; from 6pm, Friday 19 December in the courtyard of the Mansfield Hotel. Club will provide food for all members.

Please RSVP via the MMBCC WhatsApp feed by Wednesday 17 December.

The much less formal one: this coming Tuesday XC Dirt Crits will be held at the Mansfield Botanic Park. Rego from 5.45 for a grass-track race, followed by some novelty events, then by a sausage sizzle.

All club members welcome but especially those Gravity racers that don’t usually come to XC nights.

Elliot takes the win

By Kate Stonnill

Last Tuesday saw another great turnout for Dirt Crits; 21 riders headed up the hill to tackle the track set by Cam Dobson.

Stand-in starter Matt Empey sent the riders off from the top, with 30 second splits.

At the end of the two runs the comradery was evident with a big cheer for Elliott Leatham who rose to the top step of the podium after handicap calculations were completed.

In second was James Camileri, 3rd Blake Riley, 4th Cam Dobson and equal 5th Ryder Chadd and Alastair Ross.

Great to see Scarlet D'Arcy return so Nicole was not the only female.

Newcomer Osten Cook showed he has some good speed and may be one to watch.

All riders obviously dug deep to better their time with their second run. Fastest combined time was from Ryder Chadd, followed by Archie Smith, Ben Ross, Blake Riley 4th and Cam Dobson coming in 5th fastest.

Here are the results and thanks to Tim Ross and Ben Ross for the photos across all of Tuesday’s Dirt Crits and Dirt Critters.

Final cross country of the year next week.

Rob Curtis Memorial Handicap

By Tim Hall

It is worth while remembering our friends, and those taken too soon. Rob Curtis passed away on Dec 27th 2018, following a battle with Leukemia. Rob was a champion of winter sports and a great cyclist, particularly on the hills around Tolmie.

The Rob Curtis Memorial Handicap was held last week. One of the longer rides on the program, we raced from the Botanic Park out to Rob’s driveway on the Whitfield Road and back again, finishing on the uphill pitch to the showgrounds, completing 31km on a hot afternoon.

Leading the way off Limit were Craig Wilson, David Bock, Tim Hall and Steve Curnow. At 6 minutes, what looked like a strong team of Heath Hammond, Simon Hall, Simon Mulvihill and Adrian Dowd. Mulvihill was back on the bike after an enforced break due to injury. Steve Duke and Mauro Brega chasing them at 7 minutes. Then Bruce Halket, on his own at 9 minutes, but having to cope with a timing mixup that almost saw him sent off early. (Nice try Bruce…) Finally, Scratch rider Andrew Garrett at 10 minutes.

The limit group quickly got themselves organised, taking turns and trying to keep the pace steady but not too ‘hot’. It’s a long race and consistency is the key.

Behind them, the second group had imploded before Long Lane with Mulvihill dropped early, feeling the effects of that injury, and Dowd struggling. Brega was also feeling the heat and the pace, affected by fatigue after a run of master’s competitions and not fully recovered. Duke leaving Brega to chase down the next group.

On the way back in, the chasing group had resolved into a group of 5, with Duke, Simon Hall, Halket, Garrett and Hammond all pushing the pace along.

Meanwhile, the front group was working hard on the run back into town, fearfully looking over their shoulders for the chasing group but hopeful of holding them off.

Wilson launching himself off the downhill run past Buller Freight, lightweights Curnow and Bock struggling to hold his wheel, but Tim Hall managing to catch a lift. Still swapping turns, Hall and Wilson powering to the Mt Battery Road corner and Wilson up the incline to the finish, desperate for the win (second place gets the pleasure of writing the report…).

Wilson has won both the memorial handicaps this year – well done! The chasing group were in within seconds after this, breathing down their necks.

Thanks as always to the marshals and officials. Here are the results and thanks for the pics Tony.

Next week is the Xmas Handicap on a modified loop around Merinda Way due to the roadworks.

Vale Rob Curtis.

Tour of Bright

Congratulations to Talia Appleton who rode to second place overall in Women’s A-grade at the Tour of Bright on the weekend. The only one who could beat her was experienced World Tour pro Brodie Chapman.

Here are the results.

Matt, Ben and Will - MMBCC News - Sun 30 Nov

Last weekend at Mt Major

Just after we hit publish last weekend, news came through that Matt Empey won the Elite Men category at round 2 of the Victorian Down Hill Series at Mt. Major at Dookie, near Shepparton.

He is now leading the VDHS!

He broke his bike during practice then he and coach/mechanic/Dad Dave couldn’t fix it on Saturday night. So Elise lent him her Atherton bike. No confirmation yet on whether this means he automatically gets a spot on the Atherton World Cup Team.

(Imagine how good these two could ride if they used shoes!)

In other results Spencer Carmen finished 20th in the very competitive U19 Men and Stu Clark finished 3rd in Veteran Men.

Here are the results.

different grundy wins irish handicap

By Kate Stonnill

Senior Dirt Crits went ahead last Tuesday night despite many riders’ unavailability due to end-of-year commitments.

Damian set the course and passed the baton to son Ben to set out the arrows. Thanks to Ben and also Spencer who assisted.

Nine riders lined up for an Irish Handicap set by Damian. Bruce was first off after his warm up, getting to the race with only a couple of minutes to catch his breath. Ben Ross followed soon after and the race for speed was on, as they were the only two riders chasing five laps.

Next up was Dave Bock, Steve Curnow, then 30 seconds later Luke Vivash, Ben Grundy and newcomer Jasper Watts, all on 3 laps. Then we had a bit of a wait for Lucas Mennen and Micah Chadd to set off on their 2 laps.

The racing was close with Ben breaking away from Bruce on their third lap; Bruce’s elbows weren’t wide enough to keep Ben behind him forever.

First rider in was Ben Grundy who felt advantaged but deserved the win.

Second was Luke Vivash whose fitness is returning, third Micah Chadd, Dave Bock 4th, in 5th was Lucas Mennen (who has shown improved fitness and skill). Then came Steve Curnow 6th, Ben Ross 7th, Bruce Halket 8th and Jasper Watts 9th. 

Here are the results.

Next week it’s another Gravity Handicap at Rifle Butts.

Will wins in Jamieson

By Dave Bock

The twenty eight kilometre Jamieson course is one of the favourites of many Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club roadies. Twenty two riders gathered in Jamieson, to compete out along the Woods Point Road to the end of the bitumen and back.

A big MMBCC welcome to first time racer Will Rooks and to a gaggle of semi-regular Eastern Cycling Club visitors for the night - Craig Oliver, Dale Walton, Dean Tune and Craig Standard.

First out, solo, was Jarrah O’Brien, with a three minute head start on Dave Jagger, and double that on the trio, Dave Bock, Tim Hall and Will Rooks.

Janine Appleton, Steve Curnow, Mark Ruttiman and Craig Wilson started their chase along the picturesque Goulburn River Valley, nine minutes after the start, and Jarrod Appleton and Adrian Dowd, another two minutes later. The biggest group comprising Steve Duke, Heath Hammond, Tim Ross, Dean Tune and Craig Oliver was started at fourteen and a half minutes.

The Block group, Simon Hall, Ben Ross, and Oliver Hall, set out at 16 minutes. The three Scratch riders, Dale Walton, Craig Stannard and Ryder Chadd, the last to start, had a full seventeen and a half minute gap to overcome, if they were to overtake Jarrah, the first to start.

“What kept you?” was the greeting Dave, Tim and Will received from Dave Jagger, as they gathered him up south of Kevington. They passed Jarrah just after the turnaround but the next steep pinch showed the superior legs of Will Rooks, who was told to go for gold, while Tim eased off to stay with the two Dave’s.

Will would not be caught, crossing the finish line three minutes clear of Bocky, Tim H and Dave Jagger.

Only 52 seconds elapsed before a big bunch finish, of Dean, Jarrod, Adrian, Heath, Craig O, Mark, Steve Duke, Janine, Craig W and Tim Ross, with Steve Curnow only spitting distance, 12 seconds, behind.

Ryder Chadd (who claimed fastest time of 47.06) came in with Ben with Craig S, 32 seconds later. Oliver and Simon came in together, followed by Jarrah, then Dale.

Here are the results. Next week it’s the Rob Curtis Memorial Handicap on the Whitfield Road.

Weekend Results

ATC Alpine CC Junior MTB Series Round 3 - Yackandandah

Riders - Ollie, Rueben & Emelia Clark, Stirling & Clementine Aldridge, Logan Hughes, Jarrah Bateup, Willem Morphett

No podiums but apparently the kids all had a ball.

Vic Champ Series Rounds 3 and 4 - Haunted Hills MTB Park, near Moe.

Ruby Dobson (Elite Women) - 2nd Sat, 1st Sun.

Ryder Chadd (U19 Men) - 4th Sat , 4th Sun.

Micah Chadd (U15 Men) - Only raced Sunday, 2nd in his first series race.

Ben Ross (U17 Men) - 7th Sat, 6th Sun.

Alastair Ross (U13 Men) - 4th Sat, 2nd Sun.

No shows - Grundy, Halket.

Tough, muddy conditions for all competitors, especially on Saturday, with intermittent showers on both days. Here are the results.

Vic DH Championships - Kinglake

Mud!

Cooper Hoebergen - 14th in U13 Men.

Blake Riley - 26th in U15 Men.

Spencer Carmen - 15th U19 Men.

Matt Empey - 3rd Elite Men.

Here are the full results.

Good riding everyone!!

Downhillers are just like roadies - MMBCC News - Sun 23 Nov

… now they get handicap races too! More on that later, but first…

Round 2 of ATC Junior MTB Series - Bright

By Tim Ross

A crew from Mansfield journeyed to Bright on Saturday for Round 2 of the ACC Junior MTB series. On a largely flat XC course, times were fast!

Congratulations to Dirt Critters Logan H in his first race, along with Angus A & Willem M. Former Dirt Critters Ben & Alastair rounded out the Mansfield contingent with Ben winning the U15 category.

The next race in the series is at Yackandandah in two weeks time (Sat 29/11); details will be posted as soon as entries are open.

Mansfield will be hosting Round 5 of the series in early February.

South Blue Range track taking shape

Speaking of early February, the track the club plans to use is taking shape. Most of the Junior MTB ‘committee’ have spent the last two Sundays raking and digging the new circuit.

Taking in some of the old Enduro track plus LOTS of new single track, it should be ready to ride soon!

Gravity Enduro with handicapping

By Dave Empey

We had a big field of 20 riders turn out for the on-again, off-again Gravity Enduro. Bruce was putting into place the new handicapping system which, might I say, is working better than his left knee.

Racing was tight with three riders on the same time, to the second; newcomer Dale Larner, Luke Vivash and Ben Ross all 5.59 accumulated time with Ben Ross posting the same time for each lap.

Fastest time of the night went to Ryder Chadd posting a second lap time of 2.38.

Final placings after the handicapping was calculated saw Steve Curnow take the top step on the podium followed by Ben Grundy in second place and Nicole Hoebergen in 3rd place. Here are the results.

Gerry of the night goes to Spencer Carmen with a complete ‘over-the-bars’ out of the start gate and winding himself to boot. To be fair to, Spencer his front chain ring failed, causing all the watts going through the cranks to drive him over the bars and into the ground. He did manage to complete a chainless run and end the night on a high.

Well done all!

Ruttiman rides away!

By Dave Bock

Steve Curnow, Dave Bock, and new to MMBCC Thursday races, Jarrah O’Brien, lined up on Malcolm St, opposite the Lords Ground. Beginning their quest to chase down John Eisner and Dave Jagger, two and a half minutes ahead of them, on their way to Howes Creek Road, the trio made a determined start.

But they were mindful there was fourteen stronger riders trying to do the same to them; and of the stiff headwind they would be facing after turning left into Howes Creek Road until the turnaround point at the end of the bitumen.

Struggling with bike issues, Jarrah found the pace too hot and fell behind.

Three kilometres before the turnaround, with John and Dave in sight, and concentrating on the slowly diminishing gap, Bocky was startled to hear Steve talking to another rider! Mark Ruttiman had ridden away from his fellow 4-minute mark starters, Ben Grundy and another first time MMBCC racer, Fergus Schier, and was getting his breath back for another charge.

Not far after the turnaround, the charge came; Mark flew past Eisner and Jagger just as Steve and Bocky joined them. Even with what was now a tail wind, the four together could not reduce Mark’s lead and the four soon fractured into individual efforts.

Mark persevered to take a convincing win. Crossing the line next was Bocky, then Steve. Dave Jagger finished fourth a little before John, who had the bulk of the field breathing down his neck.

Ryder Chadd crossed with Carl Simmons, who picked up the fastest time prize for the night.

Less than 10 seconds in arrears were Andy Garrett, Bruce Halket, Ben Ross and Jarrod Appleton ,just ahead of Adrian Dowd and Janine Appleton. The final six, Fergus, Simon, Tim, Ben, Jock and Jarrah, trickled in over the next couple of minutes.

Here are the results and many thanks again to Tony Copland for his pics.

Next week it’s the club’s first visit to Jamieson for the season.

Travelling with your bike?

Tony Morris has some car roof racks and a really good quality travel case for sale. Check the For Sale section here.

Scarlett and Wil - MMBCC News - Sat 15 Nov

2025 Alain Guerin Memorial Handicap

By Janine Appleton

Sitting down on a Saturday afternoon collecting my thoughts; procrastinating about writing this article, can be just like racing. I find worrying about the extraordinary effort involved in racing this 32 km course can be overwhelming when you know you haven't had the ideal preparation - with not enough training for numerous reasons. By entering online the night before automatically, I reason with myself that at the least I will make it a kilometre off the startline, and then if dropped it can be a training ride. 

Even with a proper warm up, my cardiovascular system screams at me for the first 15 minutes while it adjusts to the demands of maintaining at least an 80-90 % effort.

There were the usual group tactics discussed at the start line at Botanic Park. Starting in a group of four, we had an advantage over other groups of just two or three, but when we dropped Jean-Daniel Guerin on the Barwite Hill, I was less confident. 

The significant head wind on the way out to the turnaround at Sawpit Gully Road affected the scratch and block group in the handicapping,  Craig Wilson and Tim Hall worked well with me until Barwite Road, when Tim dropped off in the tricky cross wind. 

John Eisner stuck with us for a few minutes before we eventually passed David Bock on the start of the Coombesberg. Surprisingly, Craig was holding my wheel up the hill and I was happy to tuck in behind him down the other side, finally passing Steve Curnow. 

With a quick glance behind, the road was clear, and we just needed to stay strong to the finish.  

Again I was able to hide behind Craig in the last 300 metres before the finish. The plan was to wait till one hundred metres to go, stand up on the pedals, keep my head low and power away. But that was matched and surpassed by Craig’s effort. He deservedly won by a bike length. 

Steve Curnow was 50 seconds behind, followed by Simon Hall, Mauro ‘Jock’ Brega and Adrian Dowd with Jarrod Appleton another 30 seconds behind, followed closely by Dave Bock and Ant Bateup. 

Ryder Chad, Ben Ross and Bruce Halket finished together; a massive improvement in Ben's finishing skill and fitness. 

Forty seconds later was Dave Jagger, Steve Duke and Tim Hall. 

Fastest for the night was again Andy Garrett, with John Eisner, Heath Hammond and Jean-Daniel relieved to finish.  

Congratulations again to Craig Wilson, winning the Alain Guerin Memorial race two years in a row. Thanks to all the marshals and officials, and the Mansfield motorists for their patience during this event. 

Here are the results and many thanks to Tony for his pics. Next week it’s Howes Creek Road, one for the rouleurs.

Chadd boys not feeling the love and Ben Ross takes a tumble whilst Scarlett Darcy shows the field a clean pair of heels on her first night of XC racing.

By Damian Grundy

Well done to everyone for an enjoyable night of MTB Cross Country racing.

Special thanks to Ryder for setting out the course and to Cam Dobson and Kate Stonnill for taking care of the timing.

Firstly, congratulations also to all the MMBCC members who competed at the State Series XC races at Avoca over the weekend. Some great results!!!

Welcome also to our first time XC racers: Scarlett Darcy, Lucas Bellman and James Camilleri. We hope you had fun and look forward to seeing you at future races.

And so, to the racing…

Another Irish Handicap where everyone has a chance (If the handicapper has got it right) 😊.

We are so fortunate to have the Rifle Butts Mountain Bike Park. The trails are fun and challenging. The course was a shortish lap of 2.4km using Bogans, XC and Critters.

With the staggered starts and mixed lap numbers for the competitors it is often confusing until later in the race as to who is actually going to win.

17 competitors faced the starter with your intrepid handicapper (Damian myself) starting first on a 5 lap journey followed a short time later by the somewhat late arriving Bruce Halket.

And so the countdown continued and starts for all competitors, new racer Scarlett Darcy started at 14 minutes delay for her 2 laps and the final competitor James Camilleri started for his 2 laps at 18 minutes.

Early on it was clear to me that Bruce Halket was going to take advantage of his superior fitness and reel me in, but I could see that Ben Ross a little further back was showing little fatigue from his weekend of racing, he was on a flyer and relentlessly catching both us older folks (Bruce & Damian). However, bad luck or miscalculation dealt young Ben a blow when he crashed at the end of his 3rd lap; not a serious crash but a couple of skinned and bruised knees and a mechanical issue with his bike meant he was going to be a DNF for the night.

As all the competitors got onto the course It was clear that Scarlett Darcy was a lot quicker than anticipated and was going to be almost impossible to catch. And so it was! Scarlett crossed the line first for a deserved win.

In 2nd place Elliot Leatham also flew a little under the handicapper’s radar and posted a solid ride for 3 laps.

Bruce Halket raced fast and passed all but the leading two for 3rd. The ever present and supremely consistent Mr David Bock rolled over the line in 4th and Lucas Mennen was 5th. Fastest on the night was Bruce Halket! Well done. What might have been if not for the two ‘Roughies’ ahead of him 😊!

Here are the results.

In a big change from the previous XC night the Chadd brothers, Ryder and Micah, fought out a tough back of the field family race finishing 15th and 16th respectively.

Alastair Ross was the only finisher from the Ross family with Ben’s crash and dad Tim’s absence.

Congratulations everyone!

Rake ’n’ Ride - 3pm Sunday


In case you didn’t already know, MMBCC is hosting a round of the All Terrain Cycles sponsored Alpine Cycling Club Junior MTB Series in February next year.


As part of our preparations, we’re holding a Rake ’n’ Ride session at the South Blue Range course (the van der Hayden’s property, off Rifle Butts Road) Sunday at 3pm.


Please bring along some decent boots, gloves and whatever useful tools you have available, plus, of course, your mountain bike, as we prepare a brand new course for the event.

Speaking of the Alpine CC Junior MTB Series, congratulations to Ben Ross for winning the U15 Boys at Round 2 of the series in Bright today!