Learmonth hosts local leg of Conni Classic

EUREKA Cycling will host La Course Aux Velo Femmes, the first stage of veteran women’s series, The Conni Classic at Learmonth this month.

From 10am on Saturday 11 May, female athletes over 30 years of age will ride a 52.5km handicap race conducted on roads east of Learmonth.

Riders are required to complete three laps of the 17.5km circuit. They will be ranked in groups of ability and given time gaps before they head off to try and win the day’s $1200 of prize money.

Dean Wells, President of Eureka Cycling said organisers are expecting over 45 riders to compete, but only members of veteran cycling clubs are eligible to win cash or earn Aggregate points across the series.

“Eureka Cycling is committed to promoting females in sport. Staging a round of the women’s race series was an obvious step for the club,” he said.

“Back in December 2018, the Geelong and Surf Coast Cycling Club staged the inaugural women’s race as part of their More Females on Bikes initiative.

The event was such a success that they decided to create a women’s series in 2019.

“Whilst local and state government debates how to increase female participation in sport, the key players, the actual sporting clubs, are making things happen.”

The second Conni Classic race will be in Bendigo in September, and the third race in Geelong in December. Each race stage will have over $1200 in prize money and trophies.

Race presentations on 11 May will follow a feast provided by Eureka Cycling at their clubrooms on the foreshore of Lake Learmonth.

Supporters wishing to spectate are encouraged to head to the Eureka Cycling Club before the event. Officials will direct spectators to the safest viewing areas.

Eureka Cycling Club share the Learmonth Yacht Club rooms on the east foreshore of Lake Learmonth. Find the club at Outlet Road and Foreshore Road.