2011 has seen the introduction of the following exciting projects:

• A club coach and the development of training plans for both junior and senior riders with the aim of increasing participation in club rides and races.
• A Women’s Committee and program with the aim of encouraging females to ride and participate in the joys of racing and with aim of increasing female membership with GCC. A large thankyou to Genevieve Sutherland for heading up this project. Genevieve has started from scratch and has now well over 65 plus female riders on a database.
• Junior development has been lacking with the club in the past. However through hard work and the availability of a club coach, GCC now aims to offer a safe and friendly environment to learn the art of racing.
• The introduction of the Belmont Criterium Circuit and exciting racing we are now experiencing over summer months. Further developments will see Criterium racing branching out to other circuits in Ocean Grove and further races at the Eastern Gardens.
• The Club has spent the last 12 months investigating the merits of electronic timing systems. A big thank you to Daniel Wilson for his time and patience in this process and liaising with Mylaps and Cycling Victoria. The club has made a decision to purchase the Mylaps electronic timing system. This is a major investment by the club, which will have many benefits that will outway the initial start up costs. This will make the club one of the leading clubs in Victoria and make race day easier for Officials and enhance the racing experience for members.

On a sadder note racing can be a dangerous sport as the club experienced this year with some unfortunate crashes. I would like to acknowledge the support fellow GCC members offered to our crash victims and a reminder to all riders that we are not racing for sheep stations. Please take care and look out for fellow riders as accidents hurt.

The club has responded to the dangers provided in our races and new racing policies will be introduced to the 2012 racing season. A greater emphasis will be placed on safety and onto racers. Any rider breaking club road rules will be treated in accordance to club polices. This action is to make racing safe for all.

The club had an exciting future but it cannot progress without the help of all members. I would like to take this opportunity to request all members help out with the running of the club. In past too much has been left to too few. It does not take much to volunteer some of your time to take the pressure off committee personnel. Every little bit helps and the more we can spread the work load the easier it all becomes.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work done by Race Coordinator Rudy Schmidt throughout the past few years. Rudy has spent many hours making the race day happen and has provided a great winter racing program with varied events and circuits. Thanks for your help Rudy without it the club would not be in the great position it is in now regarding the wonderful opportunities to race.

In closing I offer a big thank you to all members who have supported the club throughout the year and hope to see you racing again in 2012.

John Burtt

President of the Geelong Cycling Club