2026 Balmoral Junior Women’s Race Tour

Ava Woo

What a weekend for Brisbane Cycling Club’s women racers at the 2026 Balmoral Junior Women’s Race Tour, with Hayley, Ava, Nancy, Beatriz and Faye taking on four very different stages: the Ipswich ITT Prologue, the Haigslea Road Race, the Mount Gravatt Hill Climb ITT and the final criterium at Muzz.

The weekend opened with the individual time trial, where the riders settled into the tour and set themselves up for the stages ahead. Hayley took on the challenge of racing in A Grade, improving on last year’s time and starting strongly. In Women C, Ava rode a controlled ITT to finish third, while Beatriz, Nancy and Faye all got through the opening stage and prepared for what was to come.

Stage 2, the Haigslea Road Race, was where Brisbane Cycling Club really came alive. With rolling roads, tough climbs and an uphill finish, it was a proper test of legs and race craft. Ava produced a brilliant ride in Women C, making the most of the QOM climb to get into a breakaway, then holding it all the way to the final kilometre before powering up the finishing hill to take the win. Behind her, Beatriz and Nancy played key team roles, helping manage the chase and support the move. Beatriz also finished an excellent third in Women C, while Nancy made a strong and selfless return to racing after two weeks away.

Faye had a huge day in Women B, battling through a relentless pace while racing with A Grade, chasing back on after climbs and fighting all the way to finish second in her category — putting around eight minutes into third place. Hayley also showed her experience in A Grade, using smart positioning and course knowledge to help contribute to a strong team result.

Then came Mount Gravatt — because apparently one hard road race wasn’t enough. The hill climb ITT tested everyone, with tired legs and gravity combining for maximum suffering. Ava continued her standout weekend by winning the stage, while Beatriz stayed consistent to keep herself in the GC mix. Hayley battled through a tough climb to finish seventh overall, Nancy kept building through her return to racing, and Faye survived the suffer-fest with one final stage still to come.

The tour wrapped up with the criterium at Muzz. Hayley played an important team role, helping shut down dangerous moves and protect GC positions. Ava stayed safe, held her lead and finished the weekend as Women C General Classification Champion, 13 points clear of second. Beatriz capped off a consistent and impressive tour by securing third overall in Women C GC, while Nancy completed a strong return to racing and contributed to a fantastic team effort.

Faye also finished the weekend strongly, staying with the A Grade group in the final crit and securing second overall in Women B GC after four tough stages.

Across the weekend, Brisbane Cycling Club’s women showed strength, resilience, teamwork and plenty of race craft. From breakaways and bunch sprints to hill climbs, hard chases and tactical riding, it was a huge weekend of racing — and the club can be incredibly proud of the way our women represented Brisbane Cycling Club. 👏💙

First road race, first lesson: Kalbar does not care about your feelings

Cooper “The Piston” Schmidt

Having only started cycling a couple of years ago through a few charity rides, Balmoral Metros was a completely new experience for me. It was my first proper road race, having only raced a handful of crits beforehand, so more than doubling the distance — and adding plenty of climbing — was always going to be a decent test. To be honest, I was probably more nervous about the potholes and rough roads than the racing itself.

I’d heard plenty about Kalbar and its short, punchy climbs. As one of the bigger riders in the bunch, I knew they probably weren’t going to be my natural playground, but I was keen to see how I’d stack up.

The biggest thing that struck me was just how different road racing is from crit racing. The first third of the race was relentless, with repeated attacks over the climbs as riders tried to force a breakaway. Positioning before each climb quickly became almost as important as the climb itself, and it didn’t take long to realise that road racing is every bit as much about tactics as it is about fitness.

It was great lining up alongside Isaiah Snell — Snelly — for our first Metros. The loose plan was to ride for each other where we could and have a crack at a small break if the opportunity presented itself. When Miles launched into a solo move midway through the race, Snelly and I immediately started sandbagging on the front to give him the best possible chance. Watching him commit to nearly 40 km off the front was seriously impressive and made for a great race.

Coming into the final lap, I felt like I had saved a few matches. The first third of that lap was definitely the toughest part of the day, with the pace lifting significantly and a few riders finally being shelled. Once things settled, the focus quickly shifted to the finish. Freddie timed his sprint brilliantly to come away with a well-deserved second place after an incredibly strong ride all day.

I managed to stay in the front group, but didn’t quite have the positioning I wanted heading into the final sprint. After navigating around a few riders — and a few potholes that looked like they had their own postcodes — through the last corner, I finished fifth. For my first road race, I was really happy with that.

Overall, it was a humbling but hugely enjoyable experience. Racing against such a strong field highlighted both my strengths and the areas I need to work on, and reinforced that road racing is as much about positioning, timing and tactics as it is about raw power. I learnt a huge amount and can’t wait to line up again.

Noosa 100 Enduro

Norman Carl

When most people think of Noosa, they picture beaches, cafés and relaxed weekends. G1 apparently thinks: 100km of mountain biking, 2,000m of climbing, mud, singletrack and questionable life choices.

Alastair and I headed up to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for the Noosa 100 Enduro, with a reconnaissance ride the day before to scout the trails and identify where the real trouble was hiding. Race day arrived with perfect conditions and a 7:00am wave start, where we lined up in the 40–49 age group alongside plenty of familiar faces.

Thanks to the previous day’s trail check, we were able to hit the opening off-road section confidently and quickly worked through riders from earlier waves. The first half of the course was brilliant — flowing singletrack, great trails and just enough climbing to keep everyone honest. I teamed up with Joris from CCN for the opening 90 minutes, sharing the work and enjoying some of the best MTB riding the event has to offer.

Then the course changed personality.

The second half brought steeper climbs, muddy sections, open meadows and the kind of suffering that makes you start negotiating with your bike. Near Kin Kin, after pushing up the steepest climb, I managed to open a gap and rode the rest of the race solo, pushing hard through the constant climbing and passing riders from the shorter events along the way.

Thankfully, there were no mechanicals, no punctures and no major dramas — which, given recent BNECC tyre history, deserves its own trophy.

The result capped off a huge weekend for G1: 1st in the 40–49 age group and 3rd overall, with Joris just 58 seconds behind, and Alastair also storming home to claim 3rd in the 40–49 age group.

Two podiums for G1, a cracking course, great racing and another reminder that sometimes the best Noosa adventures happen nowhere near the beach.

G4 O’Reilly’s challenge ride

Tiff Sheerin

BNECC’s G4 O’Reilly’s Challenge Ride proved exactly why these special events are such an important part of the club calendar, giving riders the chance to take on exciting destinations many may not attempt on their own. Starting from Middle Park, Tamborine, the ride brought together an incredible 49 riders, split across three groups, with two support vehicles and a strong crew of ride leaders helping make the day safe, achievable and enjoyable.

For many riders, the biggest confidence boost came from knowing support was close by. Whether it was encouragement, reassurance, mechanical help or the option of a lift if needed, the support vehicles helped riders feel comfortable signing up and backing themselves for the challenge.

As the groups approached the top, the ride delivered its signature moment: the infamous final pinch. With Dave stationed near the top shouting encouragement, riders had one last test before coffee. Some powered through, some questioned their breakfast choices, and the smart ones dismounted and walked — although doing the “walk of shame” past Dave may have been the toughest part of the climb.

At the top, riders regrouped for a well-earned coffee before enjoying a spectacular descent back down. The group then reformed at the bottom and split into smaller bunches for the return to the start.

Overall, it was a hugely positive day, with riders delighted by what they had achieved. Big climbs, great support, safe riding and plenty of smiles made the O’Reilly’s Challenge another memorable BNECC adventure.

2026 Ride leader course

Tiff Sheerin

BNECC recently hosted a Ride Leader Course, led by Head Coach Dave Shelberg, with a keen group of riders coming along to learn what it takes to become a ride leader.

Dave ran through practical guidance and key responsibilities, before some of the club’s more experienced leaders shared real-world insights into the challenges they face on the road and how they manage different situations. The afternoon wrapped up with great discussion at the Regatta, giving everyone the chance to ask questions and hear more about the role.

Ride leading is an incredibly rewarding way to support the club, help others grow in confidence, and contribute to safe and enjoyable bunch riding. BNECC is always looking for more ride leaders, so if you are interested or would like to learn more, please reach out to Dave, Lachy or Tiff.

2026 Brissy to Bay

Jon Mulally

Thirty G4 souls rolled up to the start line of the 2026 Brissy to Bay, ready to take on what, for many, would be their longest — or very close to longest — ride yet.

Half the crew set their sights on the 100km course, while the rest bravely pointed themselves at the 130km option and hoped their legs had signed the same agreement. The 130km group stuck together throughout the day, helping each other through flats — both tyre-related and energy-related — while navigating potholes, fatigue, and a few questionable life choices.

In other words, just another Sunday G4 ride. It’s also possible that I enjoyed my (some would say) well-earned 15 minutes of fame, repeatedly reminding everyone to eat, drink, and avoid turning into roadside furniture. In the end, the group rolled back across the finish line together with big smiles, tired legs, and plenty of happy memories from a huge day out. 

Upcoming events

Big rides, big challenges and a few excellent excuses to avoid sleeping in.

There’s plenty coming up on the BNECC calendar, with something for everyone — from island adventures and beginner skills sessions through to endurance challenges, major community rides and our always-popular festive season finale.

First up, on 9 August, BNECC will host a Beginners Core Skills Session, aimed at helping newer riders build confidence, improve bunch-riding basics, and learn the important art of looking calm while secretly wondering which gear they’re in.

Then, The Straddie Odyssey is on 16 Aug, a great excuse to escape the mainland, enjoy some spectacular riding, and pretend the hills feel easier because there’s an ocean view.

August continues to be very busy, with two big events landing on 23 August. The 24HR MND Challenge will see riders take on a meaningful endurance effort in support of an important cause, while B2GC offers another major ride opportunity for those keen to test the legs, the lungs, and possibly their life choices. 

Looking further ahead, the Spring Challenge Canungra on 25 October promises a beautiful but testing day out, with enough climbing to make everyone deeply suspicious of the word “spring.” And to finish the year in true BNECC style, we’ll wrap things up with the Christmas Special — part ride, part celebration, part annual reminder that festive kit choices are not always crimes against fashion, but often very close.

Plenty to look forward to, plenty to train for, and plenty of chances to create new stories, new PRs, and probably at least one completely unnecessary coffee stop.

BNECC Conspiracy Files

Flats, gels, and crimes against cycling?

This month’s conspiracy files are open, and the evidence is damning: Lachlan’s tyres aren’t puncturing anymore — they’re unionising, G3 was cut off from the gel economy with not even a wrapper to sniff, and G2/G4 floated past like products of Dave’s secret snack lab.

A suspected G1 imposter turned G2 pace into a crime scene, Jon’s coffee habit reached family-intervention level, and the Shrek Ride became a full tyre sacrifice ceremony. Add Tony’s man flu, Changy’s chain betrayal, Lachlan’s Cooper/Vanish “group photo”, and G3 surviving on caffeine, resentment and moral superiority — and May/June wasn’t cycling. It was a rolling true-crime series with cleats.