Introducing Gippsland Gold

 

 

The support for young women cyclists demonstrating athletic talent is to say the least ‘patchy’; some areas and clubs are encouraging and supportive, some are not.  The support for women’s cycling is even more sporadic particularly in most country areas.

 

Gippsland is not an exception; the number of women holding racing licences is much much lower than in any Metropolitan area and most other country areas. 

 

However that doesn’t mean that Gippsland can’t and doesn’t produce talented young female cyclists, it just means that the right support needs to be provided to take more of them to the state and national level of racing.

 

The entry costs of getting into the sport are quite high, a bike, a licence and sufficient clothing are already a hurdle; when allied with the dearth of women’s racing and the necessity to travel to compete in women’s races, the costs just increase.  Any woman who demonstrates the physical talent and wishes to race seriously, needs support and help with the costs of material and travelling, both within the State and inter state,  She also needs people to back her in her endeavours, help with the driving, technical support, training and advice etc. etc.

 

The Victorian cycling governing body (Cyclesport Victoria) is the most advanced state body in terms of supporting Women’s Cycle racing by means of the VRS (Victorian Road Series) a series of both one day and short multi stage races run in Victoria from February through to early December.  The venues vary from Lakes Entrance in the East to Warrnambool in the west and Shepparton in the north of the state.  The ability to travel and support the cost of travel and accommodation are a fundamental requirement.

 

The Australian cycling governing body (Cycling Australia) promotes the next level of women’s racing the NRS (National Road Series) where racing standards are just below international level and where successful girls can represent Australia and/or move to European or US professional teams.