The C grade Criterium competitors in the Cambridge Cycling Festival
Sarah Ulmer’s face said it all – slightly sunburned, beaming with pride and excitement that the Cambridge Cycling Festival, celebrating its 10th year, had been a resounding success.
The crowd waits for prizegiving and the bike giveaway at the Cambridge Cycling Festival on the Village Green. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The crowd waits for prizegiving and the bike giveaway at the Cambridge Cycling Festival on the Village Green. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
More than 550 children and top‑class cyclists competed on Anzac Day, watched by crowds drawn to the Village Green and Cambridge CBD by the racing, glorious early‑autumn conditions, a bouncy castle, food and drink stalls and, to cap it off, five children winning new bikes in a lucky draw.
Ulmer, an Olympic Games gold‑medal cyclist, is not the only one behind the festival. An impressive team of volunteers from Bicycle Revolution Cambridge were on hand to support the woman described on the organisation’s website as director of nothing in particular.
But it is Ulmer who has become the public face of promoting a cycle‑friendly town – sometimes at the expense of social media commentators unhappy about the loss of parking spaces and what they see as restrictions on vehicular freedom.
The day began at 12.55pm with the Last Post and national anthems before the festival shifted into full gear.
Thumbs up from Rory Guy, 4 and mother Julia Thompson after he won one of five Evo cycles on offer at the Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Racing up to get her free Evo bike was this lucky girl. Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The boy pictured with his father won a free Evo bike.. Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Miff Macdiarmid (Bicycle Revolution) hands over the Evo bike to a grateful mother and daughter. Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
All eyes on these three as the draw is made for five Evo cycles, from left Matt Makgill (Lewis Lawyers), Miff Macdiarmid (Bicycle Revolution) and MC Nigel Yalden. Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The A grade criterium winners, from left Fletcher Williams, 3, Wilson Hannon, 1, and Michael Torkler 3.. Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The B grade criterium winners, from left Shem Rodger, 2, Rick Dumpleton, 1, and Tim Pawson, 3. Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The C grade criterium winners, from left Kentaro Tajima, 2, Toby Holzer, 1, and Devon Briggs, 3. Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Emily Cameron won the women’s C grade criterium in the Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
From the first pedal stroke to the final cheer, the streets and the Village Green came alive. Eager young riders lined up in the age‑group races – under‑5s, 5–7s and 8–10s – eyes wide, helmets snug, legs ready to fly.
For many, it was their first race. For others, a proud annual tradition.
Back by popular demand was the Itty Bitty Bike Dash, alongside a new event, the Adaptive Roll, which welcomed riders of all ages with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.
The Battle of the Schools and an aerial BMX display gave way to the fast bikes, with many of the country’s top cyclists competing in the A, B and C grade criterium races, bringing lycra, speed, strategy and athletic brilliance to Victoria and Alpha streets.
From remembrance on Anzac Day to celebration on the streets, 10 years on, Cambridge is still pedalling strong.
Toby Holzer crosses the line first in the C grade criterium race ahead of Kentaro Tajima in second and Devon Briggs third.
Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Results:
C Grade Criterium – women: Emily Cameron 1, Maddie Douglas 2, Emma Cotter 3; men: Toby Holzer 1, Kentaro Tajima 2, Devon Briggs 3.
B Grade Criterium – Rick Dumpleton 1, Shem Rodger 2, Tim Pawson 3.
A Grade Criterium – Wilson Hannon 1, Michael Torkler 2, Fletcher Adams 3.
Battle of the schools: Cambridge Middle, Tamahere, St Peter’s School.
Cambridge Cycling Festival Toby Holzer. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Action from the A grade criterium race Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Action from the A grade criterium race Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Action from the A grade criterium race Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Competitors in the C Grade criterum at the Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Michael Torkler leads Wilson Hannon and Fletcher Williams down Victoria Street during the A Grade Criterium. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
