Australian International Pedal Prix - Race trio

This weekend (Sept 14-16) sees a ‘double-header’ of sorts with two major schools events – both with similarities to the RACV Energy Breakthrough – taking place. One in Murray Bridge, South Australia and the other in Maryborough, Queensland. 

Let’s explore a little about each of them:

Australian International Pedal Prix

Murray Bridge, South Australia

Australian International Pedal Prix - 2011

Massive fields (think 200+) take part in the Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series, which includes two six hour races in Adelaide earlier in the year before culminating in this 24 hour challenge: the Australian International Pedal Prix.

The 2.13 kilometre course in Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge features some great challenges include hairpins, chicanes, hill climbs and quick corners leading onto long, smooth straights. Primary school teams race alongside Secondary students and Community teams for the full 24 hours.

There are 22 Victorian teams lining up this weekend in this HPV only event.

Website: www.pedalprix.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PedalPrix
Live Results: http://liveresults.mylaps.com/ahpvss/ | http://www.hpvresults.com.au

RACQ Technology Challenge

Maryborough, Queensland

RACQ Technology Challenge, QLD

This expanding event in the north state, the RACQ Technology Challenge is somewhat of a ‘sister’ event to the RACV Energy Breakthrough, which goes behind the fact they are both held in beautiful little towns called ‘Maryborough’.

The ‘Techy Challenge’ as the locals call it, feature robotics, solar cars and boats, pushcarts, a 24 hour human powered vehicle event and a road cycling criterium. It’s a fantastic community event where the robotics, pushcarts and solar events draw large crowds of locals, friends and families checking it all out.

The HPV course is a stunner: a downhill front straight sees teams zooming over (covered) railway train tracks before pulling on the brakes for a tight left hander hairpin. From here, the riders face an uphill slog through a number of corners and around the Maryborough Primary School before coming past the pits to do it all again.

Website: http://www.technologychallenge.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RACQTechChallenge 

We wish the organisers and all of the teams participating in both of these great events all the best of luck. May the weather be good and the competition fierce but friendly.