Cycling is hitting new heights on the Far North Coast, with plenty of interest leading into big event in Lismore.

Planning is well underway for the Lismore Cycling Festival, which will be held over the October Long Weekend.

The event will be a joint effort between the Lismore City Council and the Byron Bay Cycle Club and is looking to grow after a very successful 2023 event.

Byron Bay Cycle Club, which has many members across Lismore, Alstonville and Casino, as well as the Byron and Ballina shires, finally kicked off cycle racing for 2024 recently.

The Cycle Club holds regular weekend events which is a great introduction to the sport and also a way to start some training prior to the Lismore event in October.

One such event was held last weekend with plenty of excitement in the junior ranks.

There was a strong turnout of girls and boys of all ages ranging from 5yrs through to 15yrs and they rode for fun and some prize money.

They arrived with any bike they could ride and there was a strong mix of road bikes, mountain bikes and a BMX. The 12 junior members enjoyed the Byron Bay Cavanbah Centre closed circuit track and took off in either a 10min or 15min race format depending on age and ability.

Guided by qualified club assistant coaches, and some keen parents joining, the 10min race was hotly contested and approximately 3 kms later (3 laps) the pack sprinted to the line where Brody Hogan, Nash Ryan and Malu Kelly claimed the podium spots in that order.

The 15min race was a nail biter and finished in a similar fashion. This race was at approximately 4kms (4 laps) with Imogen Matthews claiming 3rd spot as well as the fastest female junior, whilst Kobi Hogan grabbed the top spot, like his brother, and Elijah Punch was second.

Everyone had so much fun and didn’t go away empty handed as participants received a goodies pack to take home and refuel for next time.

There are 2 further opportunities to be involved this winter at the BBCC Juniors events being Sunday 28th July and Sunday 25th August.

It is a great way for all juniors to hone their skills for the upcoming Lismore Cycling Festival of 5-6 October.   

The club is asking the Juniors and parents to challenge some mates and spread the word to school friends to allow everyone to get involved.

For further information please see https://www.byronbaycycleclub.org.au and then 4 week free trial licence at Auscycling https://www.auscycling.org.au/membership/other/free-trial

Future dates include:

28/7 - Winter Series race #2 of 3

3/8 InterClub Series race #1 - Road Race at Grafton

25/8 Winter series race #3 and doubles as InterClub Race #2 - Criterium at Byron

14/9 InterClub Race #3 - Individual Time Trial at Yamba

15/9 InterClub Race #4 - Team Time Trial at Yamba. (InterClub series is between: Yamba, Grafton and Byron Clubs, but all-comers are welcome to race).