Collie cycle race a boon for spectators, town

Seventy five years of Collie tradition will continue this weekend when WA cyclists visit the coal mining town for an annual road race.

The 75th annual Tom Lowry Memorial Road Race, organised by the Collie Cycle Club, will be held this Sunday with up to 250 cyclists expected to take part.

It includes four men’s divisions and three women’s grades, with the A Grade men cyclists set to embark on a 118km trip around Collie and A Grade women to ride 84km.

Club president Alf Mason said the event had a proud tradition and attracted quality cyclists which made it a high-quality race for spectators.

Mr Mason said he hoped the race would also bring visitors to Collie who could see what the town had to offer.

“It is a big event,” Mr Mason said.

“We usually get pretty good cyclists down to ride so hopefully there are plenty of spectators who come too.

“It gives people the chance to come down for the weekend and have a look.”

A criterium event is also scheduled at the Collie Motorplex on Saturday as part of the weekend’s annual fixture.

Mr Mason lauded the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union – who have sponsored the race since its inception – for its ongoing support and invited anyone interested to attend.