Inverell Cycle Club was finally able to officially unveil its new criterium track on Saturday, with a large crowd coming together for the special occasion.
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"It came off well, no hitches. Everything fell into place," Inverell Cycle Club president Andrew Blake said.
There was plenty of action to keep the whole family entertained on the day, including a jumping castle and rock climbing wall for the kids, as well as a junior and senior duathlon, vehicle pushing competition and a fun run before the bike races begun.
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There were 90 riders across the five grades - A grade, B grade, C grade, and two junior grades - on the day, including 31 racers from Armidale.
It was a dominant day on the track for the locals, with Inverell riders taking out first to fourth in C grade and B grade, and finishing top three in A grade.
"The junior grades were pretty well dominated by Moree and Armidale. We don't have any junior riders," Blake said.
Blake said the home track advantage might have played a role in the results but they were still fantastic results.
"We've all done some training up there, but even still, you've still got to push the pedals," he said.
The club has received some great feedback on the track, with other areas wanting to copy it.
"Everyone says it's a great facility. We're even getting some comments on our Facebook page from down in Newcastle, saying they should do something similar," Blake said.
With the new track now completed, Blake is hoping to grow junior numbers within the club.
The club has struggled for junior numbers as there hasn't been a location in which they can race.
"We're going to begin with some junior development stuff, come and try days and probably regular weekly training days," Blake said.
The aim is to develop more juniors to take part in the winter racing which will be held each Saturday afternoon.
"Hopefully this will now empower us to do a bit more and see some junior growth and club growth," Blake said.
Blake wanted to thank Inverell Shire Council for all their help on the new track.
