Last Sunday, I lined up once again for the Tour de Brisbane, a race that always brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and fierce competition. It also happened to be the qualifying event for the World Masters, adding an extra layer of intensity to the day. I’ll be honest — we won’t talk too much about how things played out competitively. Some races are about medals and podiums; others are about grit, persistence, and just getting across that finish line with pride.
Despite the results not being exactly what I had hoped for, it was still an incredible day. The energy in Brisbane was electric, and the course — with its mix of smooth flats, challenging climbs, and technical turns — offered everything you could want in a proper road race. The weather cooperated beautifully, too, with clear skies and just a touch of coolness in the air, perfect for pushing the limits.
I managed to grab a few photos from the race that capture the spirit of the day — bikes lined up before the start, friends cheering from the sidelines, and those gritty mid-race moments when you’re digging deeper than you thought you could. Moments like these are the real trophies: reminders of why we do this, year after year.
One bit of good news to hang my hat on: next year, I move to the bottom of a new age bracket — the 80+ category. In cycling, as in life, timing is everything, and being one of the youngest in the group can make all the difference. It gives me fresh goals, fresh rivals, and a renewed sense of excitement for what’s to come.
Racing at this stage of life isn’t just about results. It’s about community, about health, about proving to yourself — and maybe a few others — that passion doesn’t have an expiration date. Every time I pin on a race number, I’m grateful. Grateful to still be riding, still competing, and still feeling the rush that comes with being part of something bigger.
So here’s to the Tour de Brisbane, to the road ahead, and to many more start lines yet to come.
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