The Cycling Development Foundation are pleased to announce that Mary Tennant, our Chairperson for the previous two years has agreed to continue in the position for a further 12 months.

Mary reflected on the last 12 months with the CDF:

“I am pleased to accept the position as Chair of the Cycling Development Foundation (CDF) for 2022. The CDF was formed in 2016 to support cyclists and provide a platform for them to compete at an elite level, we have not only delivered on this but have expanded our scope. Over the last 3 years we have enjoyed strong support from our main sponsor Veris Ltd and we thank them for what has been a very positive relationship. 2022 will see a rebranding of our team under the CDF name as we seek funding from alternate sources and sponsors.

Our CDF men’s and women’s elite teams started off the year with some exciting NRS competitions marking a stark contrast to the cancellation of events in 2021. We are very proud of our teams who were noticeable and attracted positive comments in the new CDF kit at the Australian Road Nationals, Santos Tour Down Under, Tour of Gippsland and the gruelling Melbourne to Warnambool race. Along with some epic individual efforts it was a time for the teams, who come from all parts of Australia, to race together.

The Junior Cycling Academy (JCA) has grown with additional scholarship riders in 2022, with some of the 2021 riders rolling into the elite teams. These young riders are an inspiration with their commitment to training both on and off the bike. Often seen riding with older riders at Ergo training, hills rides, Kings Park efforts and racing events they are being mentored and directed on a pathway to success thanks to the generosity of all our JCA sponsors (our main sponsors Jim and Lisa Bond and Cashmanagement) and our service provider, the Exercise Institute.

The CDF Masters Program brings together a group of likeminded ‘mature’ cyclists who train and compete at various events across Perth and surrounding districts. This group of bike warriors are a force and can often be seen on the podium at events. More importantly they are an encouraging, accommodating group of men and women who support each other and strive to reach their best cycling potential.

The Perth Laverton Cycling Classic (PLCC) had a bumper 1,050km ride in 2021. Whilst raising funds for the Laverton Cycling Project (LCP) riders had an enjoyable experience riding around 150kms per day, camping in the outback, hearing stories from Indigenous elders along the route and sharing the comradery that only result from long days in the saddle. The Laverton Community came out in large numbers to welcome the riders from Perth during the Laverfest celebrations, a tribute to the relationship we have developed with the community over the years.

The LCP will benefit enormously in 2022 thanks to the good will of the PLCC riders who raised enough funds for the CDF to employ a bike coach to run monthly programs for children and adults. Our partnerships with Pakaanu Aboriginal Corporation, Laverton Cross Cultural Association and the Laverton Shire and School have aided in the progress of these programs and our relationship with the community. The Laverton Emerging Art Program (LEAP) is an initiative which encourages children from the Laverton Community School to submit a jersey design for the following years ride. The 2022 design won accolades from previous riders and Laverton School children and is a standout design from a talented young artist.

We are only able to continue with these initiatives thanks to the support of our generous donors/sponsors/partners and we are grateful for the support we receive from, among others, Bond Junior Cycling, Pedal Mafia, Chamber of Minerals and Energy, R&D Speed Shop, SMEC, Cashmanagement, Euroz Securities, Oral 7, Pharmacy 777, Rinnai, Infocrank, and Ride WA, AusCycling WA.”

We look forward to Mary leading us into the future.