Grab a coffee and meet the Illawarra Cycle Club A Grade Club Champion, Simon Clark. A reminder that the club champs were run and won on 24th August, 2019.
Is this the first time you’ve won the ICC club champs?
Yes.
Explain how the race played out for you.
Conditions on the day were windy to say the least. The course consisted of 4 laps over Marshal Mount. The bunch stayed together for the first 2 laps. I went off the front briefly, getting a feel for the others and my own legs. Heading out on the second lap into the cross winds I found myself on the front and chose then to put the bunch into the gutter and attack. This allowed me to get away and start increasing my gap. Shortly after an SSCC rider bridged over to me and we began to work together increasing our lead. It wasn’t until the turn around of the last lap, that I knew we had this. Unfortunately coming into the dog track and finish line I was out muscled by the very strong younger SSCC rider but was lucky enough to be the first ICC rider across the line.
What was your journey in to cycling?
I grew up surfing but in 2012 i randomly started doing triathlons and later competed in Ironman 70.3 & full Ironman races. Training became difficult to fit into a busy work and family life so I started focussing on my cycling. Also my body didn’t appreciate running. I had to learn a lot about road racing and still am but haven’t looked back since.
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever ridden a bike?
Watopia (Zwift).
What is your favourite ride in the Illawarra?
Macquarie Pass or National Park.
Any advice to someone considering giving racing a go?
Definitely give it a go, start easy, observe, ask questions and watch your riding improve.
