BY SALLY MCLEAN
IT was a week of grit, setbacks and standout performances for Redlands Coast Multisport Club athletes, with members tested across both the gruelling Tour de Cure and the Gold Coast T100 triathlon weekend.
For Rob Collins, the Tour de Cure became a test of endurance well beyond the bike.
After being struck down by a brutal stomach bug early in the tour, Collins battled through severe cramps on the road to Cooma, at one point nearly brought to tears.
Despite the setback, he pushed on to complete the stage and gradually regained strength, returning to the front of the pack by Day 3 on the roads between Corryong and Tallangatta.
But the toughest challenges were still to come.
Cold, wet and treacherous conditions on the descent into Bells Beach on Day 4 saw Collins crash heavily, sliding off the road and into a fence.
Mechanical issues and relentless weather only added to the toll, with flat tyres and later drivetrain and crank damage at Cradle Mountain forcing more time off the bike.
After medical checks and a short recovery break, Collins returned to the tour with a new helmet in Geelong, maintaining his trademark humour despite the setbacks.
Reflecting on the experience, he said sometimes you must “put the cue in the rack”, remember why you’re there, and focus on the cause behind the ride.
Meanwhile, fellow club member Adam Thompson made the most of the opportunity, riding alongside cycling great Richie Porte.
Closer to home, RCMC athletes were also making their mark at the Gold Coast T100 triathlon across March 21–22.
On Saturday’s Olympic Distance event, Stuart Kemp and Francisco Narvaez delivered strong performances.
Narvaez placed seventh in the 40-44 age group, while Kemp secured fifth in the 55-59 division.
Sunday’s full distance event saw a larger RCMC contingent take on the challenge, with all RCMC athletes completing the course in times ranging between four and five-and-a-half hours.
