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.
His helmet absorbed much of the impact, but he was left with a head knock, mild concussion and badly bruised ribs.
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.
Thompson reportedly spent around 45km on Porte’s wheel before the pair shared turns on a spectacular 15km descent into Swansea, highlighting a memorable moment from the tour.
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.
The pair exited the 1500m swim close together, carried that momentum through the 40km bike leg and finished strongly in the 10km run.
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 Christine Kinlay leading the club out of the swim, followed by Wayne Knott and David Murtagh.
On the bike, Rory Carter and Michael Pelka worked closely together, with Pelka entering transition just ahead.
Under warm conditions on the Gold Coast, all RCMC athletes completed the demanding course in times ranging between four and five-and-a-half hours.
