A SMILEY face emoji and a simple 'Yay' - that was how the Bathurst Cycling Club welcomed the news that they can return to racing on July 1.
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As one of the oldest sporting clubs in Australia - it was founded in 1884 - the BCC has dealt with a number of tough times in its history.
The shutdown due to the coronavirus has been one of them as the usually highly active club was no longer allowed to hold races on the road or at the Bathurst Velodrome.
Though a number of cyclists turned to online Zwift racing - competing in things such as the State of Origin series against Queensland, the FulGaz Tour of Australia and virtual Peel Junior and Women's Tour - they have now been given the start date to resume normal racing.
Following a meeting of the Board of Cycling NSW on Monday, Cycling NSW has decided to recommence sanctioning for all events and races ahead of a return to racing on 1 July.
"Today's government announcement is very much welcome," Cycling NSW CEO, Graham Seers said after Wednesday's news that senior sport was given the green light to resume.
"Cyclists are itching to get back into racing, and clubs across the state are ready to provide it.
"Cycling NSW was proactive in calling off racing in March, and thanks to all the work that's being done behind the scenes, we'll be just as ready to go back on July 1."
The board decision follows the state government announcements that firstly community sport for children would be allowed to recommence on July 1 and now that senior sport is approved from that date as well.
As a matter of priority, Cycling NSW is finalising a set of guidelines and requirements for the return to racing.
They will follow the government's guidelines on the return to sport, which are expected to be released by the end of this week.
All BCC races will be required to follow the new COVID-specific Cycling NSW guidelines.
