IT'S the one that every Bathurst Cycling Club member would love to win.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This Sunday will see the 51st edition of the Rockley Cup take place in and around the surrounds of Perthville, as riders chase the club's biggest handicap on the calendar.
Club officials have already received a large number of visiting entries for the event and with added local support they will likely see the start list grow past the 50 mark by race start.
Riders once again have a choice between the main event, as well as the shorter Little Rock and Pebble Cup options.
Bathurst Cycling Club road co-ordinator Glen Partridge said the stage is set for a big day of racing across all the events.
"Hopefully the weather will be fine for us on Sunday. So far, over the three races we have, there's 42 entries. We'll probably get more than that because there's a lot of locals who are still yet to enter," he said.
The Rockley Cup may only be 70 kilometres - short in terms of a classic, one-day club event - but it's some of the most brutal racing you can pack into that distance.
Riders have to make three ascents to the top of Rockley Mount, one from each possible direction, in the ultimate test of climbing capability.
There's a lot of history behind it and it's the one that everyone wants to win.
- Glen Partridge
The race ventures up Rockley Road, all the way to its namesake town, before riders come back the same way to Perthville, then riders approach the summit for a third time via Cow Flat Road.
The Little Rock ride makes two ascents of Rockley Mount, north and south on Rockley Road, while the Pebble Cup contain a sole ascent via Cow Flat Road and Georges Plains.
Partridge said it's a test that many are willing to put themselves through.
"It's the hardest race that the club organises, and it's one of the oldest races that the club has run.," he said.
"We have a DNF rate that's probably around 20 per cent, so it's very tough.
"There's a lot of legends that have won this race. There's a lot of history behind it and it's the one that everyone wants to win."
There will be a strong local contingent hopeful of stopping a sizeable visiting Orange and Sydney bunch from taking out overall honours in the city's big handicap prize.
"There's a lot of great locals lined up for it so far," Partridge said.
"We have young Cadel Lovett who's is racing well at the moment, along with his dad Rod. There's also Rob Stephen, who has done many editions of the Rockley Cup."
Organisers have December 12 as a backup date for the event, should the weather not be on their side this Sunday.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News