New criterium for bikers

Broome’s bicycle obsession has changed up a gear with a new activity to really get your wheels spinning, criterium cycling.

A new community group, Broome Criterium Racing have set up two meets so far this year in which members ride single-file several laps around a West Roebuck Estate closed circuit on Monday nights.

Group organiser Mark Smith said he had previously held similar gatherings in Karratha and it was good to see about 20 riders turn out on February 27 after the first meet on January 30.

“We’re casting the net to the whole Broome cycling community, to add a new dimension to their cycling,” he said.

“It’s very intense but it’s also very practical and involves a lot of strategy — when you stick on someone’s wheel you get an additional 15 per cent in output so you have to pick the best time when you want to make a break or go to the front. It’s very tactical.”

After 20 minutes of riding, the sound of a bell alerts participants that there are three laps to go before the circuit is over and riders attempt to break away from the group for the final lap.

“The pace increases and people are jostling for that final lap position,” Mr Smith said.

That’s when things start to hot up. If you’ve played your cards right and your strategies have gone well, then hopefully you’ll be in a good position and have plenty left in the tank for the sprint across the line.”

The group is separated into categories such as fat bikes and sport mountain bikes, expert mountain and fat bikes, with the fastest racers in the road bike group.

The next group meeting is scheduled for March 27 at 5.30pm. Visit Broome Criterium Racing on Facebook for more details.