One of the largest cycling events in Australia, the Autumn Cycling Classic was hosted by the Northern Combine (via the Preston Cycling Club) in partnership with La Trobe University on Saturday April 22.
Around 230 cyclists competing in a range of competitive racing and social ride events took part in this year’s Autumn Cycling Classic, which is the fifth time the event has been hosted around the three-kilometre closed circuit Ring Road course.
In the graded racing events, current La Trobe Elite Athlete Program (LEAP) member Brenton Jones (Warragul Cycling Club, pictured above) took out the Men’s A Grade category ahead of Bentley Niquet-Olden (Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club) and Oscar Gallagher (Blackburn Cycling Club) who also made the podium, while the Women’s A Grade event was won by Celestine Frantz (Hawthorn Cycling Club) ahead of Keely Bennett (Brunswick Cycling Club) and Hannah Bayard (St Kilda Cycling Club).
A full list of race results from the 2023 Autumn Cycling Classic can be found here.
The event also featured the La Trobe University Community Social Cycle, which saw recreational riders from within the La Trobe community complete a relaxed ride around the Bundoora Campus’ beautiful surrounds.
La Trobe Sport’s Senior Coordinator for Sport Partnerships and Engagement, Andrew Pettigrove, said hosting community engagement events such as the Autumn Cycling Classic reflected La Trobe’s commitment to promoting physical and mental health and wellbeing amongst not only the University community, but also the wider community.
“Given the amazing scenic pathways that lead onto La Trobe’s Melbourne Campus, this event plays a major role in showcasing not only the sport of cycling and its associated health benefits, but also as a valid commuting option to and from La Trobe University as well,” Pettigrove said.
“Events such as the Autumn Cycling Classic also plays a key role in turning our campus 'inside out' and welcoming the local community onto the campus as a place to live, socialise and stay healthy, which is a key justification for the University City of the Future project taking shape over the next decade or so.”
If you missed the Autumn Cycling Classic but want to get involved with the range of ride-to-work or cycling activities available across La Trobe University’s campuses, check out the Transport Central hub on the La Trobe University website.
You can also get involved in the La Trobe University Bikers’ Breaky program, where free coffee and breakfast vouchers at on-campus retailers are available for those who ride to uni for work or study. Check out the cycling to uni events page here.
