October 18, 2022

Around The Teardrop We Go Again | Hawthorn Crits and Pedla

Hawthorn Cycling Club and Pedla have renewed their partnership for another year, with Pedla being more involved in making the HCC summer crits an event to attend.

The Hawthorn crits have become a bit of an institution in Melbourne. Held at the ‘teardrop’, a loop of dead-end road in Kew, the Teardrop Crit series is run entirely by volunteers and attracts riders from Melbourne and beyond. There’s something special about the teardrop on a hot summer night, with the sun setting and the backdrop of the Melbourne city skyline. Where else can you leave work and be at the heart of local racing in a matter of minutes.

With Juniors, Womens and Mens racing, HCC pride themselves on creating a friendly, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Coming together every Wednesday night, the season officially opens this week on the 19th October.

Open racing attempted to start a couple of weeks ago, however both nights were washed out with Melbourne’s ‘spring’ rain. Fittingly the full series can now be launched on opening night with all grades (women’s, juniors and men) racing.

Over the last few years, Pedla has been involved in the HCC Teardrop Crits through the supply of regular prize packs for podium winners and with many of our sponsored race team riders, Pedla staff and ambassadors regularly taking to the course.

This year, for the 2022/23 season, Pedla is upping the ante and diving head first into making the Crits more engaging and more fun.

Each week, we’ll be providing the 1st place getter for every grade with a Pedla prize pack–the contents will vary from week to week, but it’ll be something to reward a good night’s racing.

Each month over the season, the Pedla team will be set up at the event serving up good vibes, playing tunes and providing neutral service bike tools to those in need. We’ll also have seating for those who want a chat, and a water station. We know racing and cheering can be thirsty work.

Wilde Guru Hop Water will be supplying non-alcoholic Sparkling Hop Water, perfect for the summer nights.

Pana Organic chocolates will feature in podium prizes, and we might even be handing a few out at the Pedla Tent.

There’ll be a monthly prize, the Race Director’s Award, given to the rider who demonstrated the best effort towards community and participation. Nominated entirely at the Race Director’s discretion, this award is aimed at promoting a social and fun atmosphere.

Interested in racing?

HCC takes entries right up until the day before–just make sure you have an AusCycling license!

See you at the season opener this Wednesday, 19th October!

Images by Jayden Cassidy (@cassidycaptured)