Phoenix Cycling Collective, Canberra’s National Road Series team, are looking forward to racing in a special region for the team with family and friends living in both towns on either side of the Great Dividing Range.
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Team manager and rider Andrew McCosker has close ties to both Inverell and Grafton as Andrew is originally an Inverell boy and son of local councillor, Neil McCosker.
Having met partner and team Marketing Manager Michelle Balaz at the University of New England, this cycling power couple are proud to call the region a second home.
“My earliest cycling memories are riding with the Inverell Wheelers Cycling Club with Heindrich (Haussler) and watching the McGee brothers, including now-Cycling Australia High Performance Director Brad McGee, sweep the boards against the best riders in Australia at the Inverell Christmas Carnival,” says Andrew McCosker.
“I grew up watching the Grafton to Inverell every year and would be so excited to watch the riders come into Otho Street, so it is a dream come true to take my place amongst Australia’s cycling greats and take on the race for a third year.”
“We also have many friends in Grafton, through one of my best friends who moved to the town after we all finished university.”
“The Grafton Cycling Club have been strong supporters of the team, through our development of rider Craig Evers who is now racing full time in China.”
“My family also are huge Phoenix Cycling Collective fans, and I’m looking forward to taking dad (Neil McCosker) to the post-race dinner on Saturday night.”
The town has pulled out all stops to welcome the team, with Michelle Balaz pleased at the can-do attitude demonstrated by the local accommodation providers.
“We were lucky enough to book rooms for the team at the Inverell RSM Club however, I also received emails from the Sapphire City Caravan Park and Fossickers Rest Caravan Park who pulled out all stops to help accommodate us.”
"It is also pretty special to stay an extra day to celebrate Mother's Day with the family, as we live over 9 hours away, so we'll be making the most of our visit back to Inverell."
Phoenix Cycling Collective is proud to be supported by Vixen PR, Onya Bike Canberra, Ollo Industries, Set 2 Physiotherapy and PhD Cycling.
For more information about Phoenix Cycling Collective, check out phoenixcycling.com.au or the team’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter channels.
The 58th Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic will be conducted on Saturday 12 May.
The race will be broadcast live on radio STA FM 91.9 and on their website. The race covers a distance of 228km and was first contested in 1961.
The 2018 National Road Series features eight events across Australia between May and November.
