CDF CHAIRPERSON UPDATE

The Cycling Development Foundation are pleased to announce that our current chairperson, Mary Tennant, has chosen to continue in this role for the coming year. Read Mary’s acceptance letter below:

“It is with pleasure that I accept the position of the Chairperson for the CDF for another year.

2020 had its challenges for all of us especially for members of the Veris Racing Team who were not able to compete in the usual circuit of races and missed out on a European tour. Despite this they maintained a positive attitude and persisted with their training, often alone. It was particularly challenging, but understandable, for some of our West Australian athletes forced to cancel at the last minute due to snap border closures. Despite these hurdles it was credit to the athletes and heartening to note that, when able to compete, some members of the team attained podium positions and personal bests.

The launch of the Veris Masters team was a highlight with many members of the Perth based ‘older’ cyclists taking up the challenge to train harder and compete in events in and around our beautiful city. I enjoy listening to stories of race tactics and the highs and lows of the weekends events.

The Laverton Cycling Project was once again enthusiastically welcomed by the community during our July and September visits, unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions we were only able to be in the community twice in 2020. The Perth Laverton Classic continues to grow with positive feedback from the riders indicating the arrangements of this unique ride has overwhelming support. Our interaction with Aboriginal elders, community members and hearing stories about country along the route, being a highlight of the feedback. Numbers for the 2021 ride are growing and preparations for the event are well underway. The growing interest in this ride supports our plan to escalate the cycling program for youth in Laverton.

Finally, it was with great excitement at the beginning of 2021 that the CDF announced the launch of the Junior Cycling Program. Through the generous support of the Cliff and Lola Hall Espoir fund we were able to offer 8 full scholarships and 6 partial scholarships to young riders. It is clear to see that the seeds of success are being planted and the hum of excitement for the program will yield some great results for these young cyclists.

 

We are only able to continue with these initiatives thanks to the support of our generous donors particularly our long-term support from Veris. We are grateful for the support we receive from Euroz Securities, Oral 7, Bond Junior Cycling, Pharmacy 777, SMEC, Rinnai, Cashmanagement, R&D Speed Shop, Infocrank, and Pedal Mafia.”

 

We look forward to seeing where the next 12 months will take us under Mary’s guidance.