Armidale Cycling Club finished 2009 with their Christmas party and presentation night on Sunday 20 December.

The major awards went to Col Maciver and Mitch Bullen who were recently recognised as Armidale’s senior and junior sports stars of 2009. Winning both categories is a notable achievement for our club and a credit to both riders for all their hard work and dedication.

Col was presented with a special award in recognition of his remarkable record in 2009, including three NSW masters titles, one Australian title, being awarded Champion of Champions at the Australian Masters Championships, and two bronze medals at the World Masters Games.

Mitch was the winner of the Jock Bullen Shield for the club champion, and was also recognised for his selection in NSW track cycling teams for the Australian and Oceania championships.

Runner-up in the club championship was John Scott-Hamilton, while Bill Mara won the B grade division with Phil Thomas and Cody Burton equal runners-up, and Dave Rubie won C grade from Jo Benham.

Brent Weston was junior club champion with Angus Swan runner-up. Kyle O’Hara won the U15 title from Gil Burgess, while Jack Parker won the U12’s from Reece Burton.

For the first time the club championships featured female divisions, with Britt Sisson winning both the junior girls and womens titles. Karlee McMillan was runner-up with Kath Kelly third and Jackie Weston fourth. Hopefully this will become a regular feature of future club championships.

Other awards went to Sam Jenner (best northern division rider after placing in no less than seven races around the region), Phil Thomas (most improved senior) and Adam Bourke (most improved junior).

Junior riders Lachie Harris, Ben Sullivan and Kieran Sullivan received encouragement awards for their “never give up” attitudes, and Reece O’Hara received the sportsmanship award.

Al O’Hara and Dave Jenner were recognised for their great contribution to junior development over many years.