Looking for a new challenge? Something both physically and mentally demanding? Something to really test your wits?

Why not try road cycling? It’s the most popular form of cycling and can be for fitness, recreational or racing purposes. People of any age can enjoy road cycling, from children and adolescents up to ‘Masters’ level (age 70 +).

Some people road cycle every day instead of commuting to and from work and for general transport needs, such as bike messengering and leisure. Road cyclists are required to obey the same road rules as other drivers and ride in designated bicycle lanes. In city peak hour traffic, cyclists sometimes travel just as far if not further than cars, especially in population dense areas. Other advantages include saving money on petrol and public transport and improving general health and fitness.

People often take up road cycling for fitness reasons, as it is an endurance sport that builds muscles and generally improves strength. Cycling can also boost metabolism and help with weight loss. Choosing road cycling as part of a fitness regime also allows people to get outdoors and ride through parks and bike trails.

As a sport, Road cycling can be very challenging. It has been compared to chess in that is an extremely tactical sport and requires quick thinking and skill to conquer the race. There are many scenarios that can confront a road cyclist during the course of a race such as slipstreaming, bunch riding, teamwork, solo attacks and the ability to read a race play.

Road cycling races involve both team and single events and can range from short distances to hundreds of kilometres across many days. In Australia, the main road cycling racing season is through winter with shorter races in the summer seasons. In competitions, juniors often race 20-60km and 50-200+km for seniors.