Italy Trip 2025 — Eighteen participants from SPR have been taking on some of the classic climbs in Italy and Switzerland, with new members joining the tour: Max, Pauline, John, Paul, Rene and Alex.
Most will know that European cycling climbs are classified from 4, “easy” increasing through 3, 2, 1, with HC being the most difficult. In true French style as the story goes, a Citroën was driven up a climb from 4th gear to 1st and that is how they were classified; HC was horse class when the car could not make it. HC Tours have provided all the guiding and support – they stand for Hard Core and there have been a lot of HC climbs.
The photo above is outside Madonna del Ghisallo renowned as the Patron Saint of Cyclists near Lake Como. The church is dedicated to cyclists inside with memorabilia, bikes, including one from Eddy Merckx, jerseys and memorials for fallen cyclists. This ride is part of the Giro di Lombardia each year.
The first ride of the tour was up Bormio 2000, coffee break at the bottom then a similar peak – these are not climbs or descents one gets in Perth; profile below.
The next day we tackled Stelvio which is simply stunning (images below); some cyclists were on e-road bikes which allowed partners to participate and made it more fun for everyone.
Garvia came with glaciers along the way. We were lucky the Giro came through Garvia to Bormio earlier in the year as the road was newly paved, though there was a bit or Paris-Roubaix through the towns at the start of the climb. Bormio is a wonderful place to base yourself to explore the area.
Cycling from Bormio to St Mortiz with more glaciers along the way.
Amazing views climbing the Albula Pass in Switzerland.
Julier Pass for a few who wanted more.
Some beautiful views along the way near Lake Como, and the ride from Ballegio, Lake Como, part of the Giro di Lombardia each year.
Tour de Cowaramup 2025 — The TdCowaramup is on again Sunday 12 October 2025; multiple distances/climbs and funds going to support local communities and charities.
Start/ finish: Juniper Estate
Organized by the Perth Integrated Events Team (PIET). Register via link below; three distances 60km (piccolo), 85km (medio) and 130km (gran) – $130 till 30th September, $155 thereafter.
We have accommodation for three nights at the Leeuwin Apartments as per last year, cost $110 pp; in Friday 10th October out Monday 13th October, shorter stay if preferred for the same price. The price increase follows a recent review by the provider after many years with no price increases.
Please contact Carol or Danielle via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au for further queries.
Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.
1. State Junior/Para Road Championships
3. WCMCC Casuarina Graded Scratch Road Race
Juniors Ride — With the State Junior Championship fast approaching, I organised a special training ride yesterday to help the kids prepare for race day.
We were very fortunate to have David Morley joining us as a special guest. He offered us valuable race tips and shared his expert knowledge throughout the session. David likely needs no introduction – since arriving from the UK last year, he has been actively involved in coaching across various local clubs, including SPR.
David is a Director at Met Sport Consultancy, Professor of Sport Consulting at Leeds Beckett University, and Professor of Sport Coaching and Development at La Trobe University. His insights bring a high level of expertise to us. David will come back again.
There will not be our usual junior Saturday ride this weekend due to racing. As mentioned before, some of our children will be participating in the State Championship on Saturday. Even if your child isn’t racing, I strongly encourage you to come along and support our team – it promises to be a great day of cycling and community spirit.
I’ll be driving the club van on Saturday, so let me know if you need any assistance with transport or equipment.
Gear Check Reminder:
- Please ensure your child’s bike complies with the gear restrictions.
- The maximum rollout for U9–U13 is 5.5 metres.
- If you’re unsure how to check or adjust the gearing (by locking out rear cogs), feel free to call me or bring the bike along beforehand.
The kids have trained exceptionally well, and I have high hopes for this year. That said, our main goal remains for the children to enjoy the experience and have fun, regardless of results. We should all be proud of how far they’ve come!
From the Ride Coordinator — Communication is a key component to a successful group ride. Calling out hazards is everyone’s responsibility and those calls should be shared throughout the group.
Don’t forget to wear a club kit for the main ride on Saturday. It doesn’t have to be the latest version: vintage, TOMR, anything SPR will be appreciated.
Saturday 30th August
- Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
- Early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special
- All rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
- Development group (*) – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday
- Transitional 1/2 (*) – Trans Abernethy 39.96km SPR Saturday
- Fast, Main – Abernethy Rd 48.21km SPR Saturday
- (*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 31st August
- Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
- Rides start at Coode st carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
- Development group – coffee ride
- Short Hills (Social) – Brktn Weir 79.19km SPR Sunday
Monday 1st September
- Ride starts under the Narrows (Sth Perth side) at 5:30am
Tuesday 2nd September
- Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
Wednesday 3rd September
- Ride starts under the Narrows (Sth Perth side) at 5:30am
Thursday 4th September
- Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
Friday 5th September
- Ride starts under the Narrows (Sth Perth side) at 5:30am