Cyclist in Collie-Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic take one last ride in century old event

A much loved South West cycling event has come to a bittersweet end, celebrating its 100th anniversary with one final race.

The Collie-Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic took to the South West on Saturday August 16, with competitors riding 104km for the last time.

Going out with a bang, this year’s event saw Stephen Hall set the final record for the fastest time, completing the course in 2hr. 7min. 13sec.

From the introduction of flashier bikes, and gravel roads to bitumen, event organiser Jamie Moloney said the century-old bike race had seen massive changes throughout the years.

He said the decision to end the race had been a topic of discussion during the last couple of years in the lead-up to the milestone event, with a variety of factors contributing to the decision.

“The committee is not getting any younger, and there’s nobody coming through behind us to take on the workload,” he said.

With an increasing number of people on the roads, Mr Moloney said traffic management was one of the biggest issues facing the event.

“It cost us $10,000 this year just for the traffic management before we could even think about putting the race on,” he said.

“Plus, you can’t keep asking the volunteers to turn up year in, year out, volunteering their time which they do for free.”

When asked whether or not the race would ever make a comeback, Mr Moloney said it was a possibility and to never say never.

“Whether . . . its the Collie Cycle Club or one of the other cycle clubs in Western Australia put their hand up to take it on,” he said.

Reflecting on the many races over the last 100 years, Mr Moloney said each and every race was special in its own way.

“Last Saturday, it was perfectly clear, sunny conditions, no wind, and then we’ve had races where it’s rained and hailed and thunder and lightning during the event,” he said.

He said Leonie Burford being the first and only female winner in 2012 was also one of many memorable moments throughout the years.

To celebrate the centennial anniversary, Mr Moloney said a commemorative 100th jersey had been produced and anyone interested in getting one should contact the club.