Perth Cup (not the horse race). Probably known under a few different names, depending on who you talk to, the Perth Cup is a small offshoot of the Aussie Cup during the main grand tours (Giro, Tour, Vuelta). In other words, who are the best placed Aussies during the race, and then who are the best place WA riders within that. At this years Giro, it has really been a “Perth Cup” as the top three Aussies in the race are all from Perth. Jai Hindley, Michael Storer and Ben O’Connor are currently sitting 4th, 7th and 10th respectively. There are another eight Aussies currently in this race and it is testament to the quality of riders hailing from WA to see how well the SandGropers are going. The photo (that I always love to drag out during these times) shows the State Crit Champs at Tech Park and is probably the Under 15 or 17 race. With Jai and Michael, is Sam Welsford who is also in the ProTour, just no the Giro this year. Ben O’Connor apparently was a late starter to cycling so we never really saw him at the Tech Park Crits. With Jai winning the Giro a couple of years ago, Storer winning stages in 2 grand tours plus the mountains jersey and Welsford sprinting against the best in the world, it is easy to see why we think that Tech Park was where legends were made.
For a number of years, SPR and RCCC held crits at Tech Park and we had it running like clockwork. RCCC would manage approvals and timing and SPR would manage the program for the day. It was a big task that took the whole day but certainly was a highlight of the summer racing program. The natural amphitheatre along Brodie-Hall Dr made for excellent viewing with lots of trees to provide shade in the hotter months. There was one sketchy corner where some people would exit the circuit and end up on the grass, but overall it was a fast but tough circuit.
Whenever we have posted any memories of racing there, comments have asked for the resurrection of the circuit. Unfortunately I can’t see it happening. Like most things, progress has taken its toll on accessibility and there are now more 7 day a week businesses in that area. I did ride around there one Sunday morning after coming back from the hills and found a gym or church or something that meant that there were lots of cars parked along Sarich way. With Perth Park at least 18 months away, we will need to find another circuit to create some legends.
Other Information
2026 and 2027 international trips –
SPR is again looking to organise trips overseas after the success of ones to the Italian & Swiss Alps 2025 and The Grand Alps France 2024.
Please complete this brief EOI for either or both tours
Note: no SPR member nor the club benefit from the organising of these trips – it is intended to extend the cycling experience with fellow cyclists
Tour de Cowaramup 18th Oct –
The Tour de Cowaramup charity road bike event is on again this year on Sunday 18 th October. Three distances 60km (piccolo), 85km (medio) and 130km (gran) with funds going to assist men suffering from Prostate Cancer.
Start/ finish: Juniper Estate
Register for early bird $105 until 30 April 2026; normal entry $125 until 30th September, late registration $145-$180. If no SPR team already established when you go to register, please set up a SPR team based on the distance eg SPR-Gran, SPR-Medio or SPR-Piccolo so others can join you.
We will look to book accommodation for three nights at the Leeuwin Apartments as per last year, cost to be advised; in Friday 16 th October out Monday 19 th October; shorter stay if preferred for the same price. You can register your interest for accommodation via this EOI.
For further queries please contact Carol or Danielle via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au.
Upcoming Racing
- AusCycling 2026 Junior State Individual Time Trial (ITT) Championships (30 May)
- AusCycling 2026 Junior State Road Championships (30 May)
- WCMCC Road Race at Casuarina (7 June)
- ATTA Champion Lakes (7 June)
- WCMCC Road Race at Pickering Brook (14 June)
- WACX Numbat Cup at Lake Gwellup Reserve (14 June)
- WCMCC Road Race at TBC (21 June)
- WCMCC Road Race at Chidlow (28 June)
- WCMCC Road Race at Herne Hill (5 July)
- ATTA Champion Lakes (5 July)
- WCMCC Road Race at Dog Hill (12 July)
- WACX Numbat Cup at Iho Park (19 July)
- WCMCC Road Race at Chidlow (19 July)
- ATTA Champion Lakes (19 July)
Juniors
I’m finally back in Perth and resuming junior duties. A lot happened in the CX racing scene while I was away, and although I’m a little out of the loop, I understand our juniors gave it their all and rode brilliantly!
This weekend, our focus will be on the Junior State ITT and Road Race, so there will be no training sessions as I’ll be supporting our riders at the event. I encourage everyone to come along and cheer on the team!
The races will be held at Kwinana Motorplex, starting from 10:00 am.
Please check the SPR Junior WhatsApp channel for any last-minute updates. If you’re not yet in the group chat and would like to be included, just let me know.
Events coming up
CX series. Check the calendar here: https://wacyclocross.org/racing/calendar/
AusCycling 2026 Junior State Individual Time Trial (ITT) Championships (30 May)
AusCycling 2026 Junior State Road Championships (30 May)
From the Ride Coordinator
Consistent communication (e.g. highlighting potholes) during the ride helps with group coordination and contributes to the safety of the group. Where two groups get caught together at a junction let the front group pull ahead and resist the temptation to jump across. This preserves the group size that was initiated at the start of the ride and reduces the chance of a larger group forming, which is difficult for other road users to navigate around.
Saturday 30th May
Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) 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
Transition: Trans Benara 39.90km SPR Saturday
Fast & Main: Ridge Hill Rd 50.56km 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 May
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
Social River Loop – approx. 50km
Short Hills (Social): Wlsh MWR 58.88km SPR Sunday
Short Hills: Wlsh MWR 58.88km SPR Sunday
Long Hills: Welsh Obs Zig Zag 87.92km SPR Sunday
Monday 1st June – WA Day Public Holiday
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
Currently no ride scheduled – stay tuned for a new Monday ride
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
Public Holiday Ride: Public Holiday North 60.70km (2025ed) SPR Special
Tuesday 2nd June
Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Two groups – solid roll through vs relaxed pace
SPR Tuesday 36.37km (river ride)
Ride starts at 6:30am at Koorak Kings Park Cafe Car Park
Main 4/Transitional/Novice
Kings Park laps at own pace, coffee at 7:30am
Wednesday 3rd June
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
No drop recovery ride
SPR Wednesday 35.3km (2023 Edition)
Thursday 4th June
Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Three groups fast paced roll-throughs
SPR Thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)
Friday 5th June
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am