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.

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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.