Canberra Cycling Club continues to support the development of cyclists in the region by holding events that showcase stars such as Jay Vine. Photo: Canberra Cycling Club Facebook.
Jay Vine is heading home to Canberra after an incredibly eventful year on the professional road cycling circuit.
It was a year where he suffered multiple fractures in his vertebrae following a crash in Spain in April before securing the King of the Mountain in the Vuelta a España five months later.
There was also a gold medal in the mixed team relay at the UCI World titles, as well as a fifth-placed finish in the Individual Time Trial after recovering following a heavy crash.
To put it in context, Jay’s victory in the mountain classification in the Vuelta, including the 172-kilometre stage 20, which featured no less than seven categorised climbs that totalled over 5000 metres.
And this was after almost three weeks racing from Lisbon to Madrid.
On Saturday (7 December), he is returning to race where his career in the sport effectively started with the Canberra Cycling Club in a race up Black Mountain.
The Black Mountain Hill Climb has an elevation of 812 metres. He may not even break into a sweat in the race, which includes a mass start from the base.
In terms of promotion for cycling in Canberra, it is priceless. Rarely do you get to see a world champion in his prime racing in a local competition.
Black Mountain doesn’t quite offer the same challenge as Vuelta, but the race provides cyclists with a unique opportunity. Photo: Canberra Cycle Club Facebook.
This is why the Canberra Cycling Club went above and beyond to secure the necessary permits and clearances to close the road up Black Mountain on Saturday afternoon.
Canberra Cycling Club committee member Rainer Wilton said it’s a unique opportunity.
“Apart from closing the Black Mountain Road during the National Road Series races, this is the first time we’ve had the road closed up Black Mountain for a club event in which any registered rider can participate.”
It’s not an inexpensive exercise with road closures and traffic controls and this is potentially not possible without the support of naming rights sponsor Alivio Tourist Park.
Alivio Tourist Park is also stumping up the prize money, although Jay has indicated he will forgo the $400 first prize bounty if he wins.
The event also shines a light on the Canberra Cycling Club’s role in developing champions. The honour roll says it all. There’s the Rogers family, a dynasty in Canberra cycling, the Mungoverns, Lauren Bates, Chloe Hosking, Stephen Hodge, Gracie Elvin, Neil Stephens, Margaret Hemsley, and the list goes on.
Many of these riders are now involved in guiding the next generation.
“Jay is very generous with his time when he is back in Canberra. As well as the Black Mountain race, he is also riding with our junior cyclists on the 14th of December.”
It’s worth pointing out that the Canberra Cycling Club has a junior coaching program taking place every Wednesday at 4.30 pm at Stromlo Forest Park.
For the time being, though, the focus is on the race up Black Mountain.
“We are super excited to have Jay riding with us in this event. It’s great for Canberra cycling,” adds Rainer.
For more information about upcoming events, including The Black Mountain Hill Climb, visit the Canberra Cycling Club.
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