Cycling

VIC Schools MTB Race Series

Round One of the 2026 VICS Schools MTB Race Series roared into action at Dromana Secondary College on Sunday, 3 May, with Red Hill Riders and the Dromana College Cycling Program hosting an unforgettable day of racing and school spirit.

More than 210 riders from schools across Victoria took to the start line, including a strong team of 10 riders representing Dromana College. Spectators lined the course throughout the day to witness exciting racing across all categories, with some events featuring fields of more than 40 competitors.

Riders tackled a challenging and rain-soaked 3.7km circuit that wound its way through the school grounds, along paved pathways, through the surrounding bush reserve, around the sports oval, and down a tricky, slippery descent to the finish line. The wet conditions added another layer of difficulty, testing both rider skill and endurance.

Dromana College students played an integral role in the success of the event, assisting with course set-up on Friday afternoon, marshalling throughout race day, and helping pack down after the event. Their teamwork and commitment ensured the day ran smoothly from start to finish.

Chain Brain Bike Shop was also on hand throughout the day, providing expert mechanical support, completing bike safety checks, and ensuring competitors’ bikes were race-ready.

Red Hill Riders ran a fundraising BBQ during the event, with proceeds supporting Red Hill Riders athletes who will represent Australia at the World Championships in Italy this August as members of the Australian Cycling Team.

The event was a fantastic way to launch the 2026 series, with plenty of muddy bikes, exhausted riders, and smiling faces by the end of the day. Congratulations to all Dromana College students who competed and represented the school with determination, resilience, and outstanding sportsmanship.

Students who competed on the day were: Ryder Abbott, Lincoln Farmer, Rory Granger, Hugh Embden, Casey Chapman, James O’Donohue, Evelyn Nibbs, Mason Saunders and Tyler Easy.

Students also proudly represented the school at the Rocky Trails Enduro MTB event at Silvan, where riders were greeted with perfect riding conditions that held strong throughout the entire day. Enduro racing is a true test of endurance, skill and determination, with competitors timed on a series of downhill stages and required to pedal between each trail under their own power.

With no limit on how many runs riders could complete, the Dromana College team made the most of the opportunity, spending the day charging up and down the Silvan hills. By the end of the event, the team was absolutely exhausted, but full of smiles after an action-packed day on the trails. We had a group of 7 riders who competed on the day:

Evelyn Nibbs, Brodie Dunstan, Murray Parkinson, Campbell Cleverdon, Hamish Lestrange, Angus McArthur, and Beau Castles.