Wynnum Redlands Cycling Club (WRCC) has received an award for the Senior Event of the Year from Cycling Queensland.
The award was for the Twilight Criterium Racing held in the Cleveland CBD in May of this year. This event saw about 300 riders participate in a series of races that attracted between 3,500 and 4000 spectators.
Riders reached speeds of more than 55km per hour in the narrow, closed off streets. The Criterium was one component of the Redlands Cycling Festival.
In addition to the high-quality racing, the award also recognised the initiatives of including all aspects of cycling, both competitive and recreational, and the creation of a festival-like atmosphere. The event included a display of BMX cycling skills, a half loop pipe and a conjurer on a uni-bike to entertain the children.
Coincidentally, the award followed the opening of the new Ann Meares velodrome at Chandler.
This event was a partnership between the Redland City Council and the club as well as the active engagement of the local business community.
Mayor Karen William accepted the award with Club President Shane Irwin, State Member and Club Vice-Patron Don Brown, Cr Peter Mitchell and other Club Members.
Next year’s event will include additional activities and events for younger people to participate. There are also plans to extend the Cycling Festival to include a weekend of events on the Stradbroke Island.
“The event and the award would not have been possible without a lot of effort from a lot of people to make it happen. This includes all the racers, family, friends, volunteers, business owners and Redland City Council,” Irwin said.
Irwin said the original concept was first mooted by Phil Stoneman, to bring together all aspects and disciplines of the sport, both competitive and recreational.
“The driving force behind the project rested with Russell Hinwood and John Smallwood. The arrival of QSM ensured the event and the cycling was so spectacularly successful,” he said.
Irwin also thanked Claire Reid of Cleveland Markets and various sponsors and businesses who supported the event. The event attracted more than 60 volunteers.
