South Australian Peter Varricchio has a long list of achievements, he is the reigning Masters State Team Trial Champion. He is a member of the Norwood Cycling Club and enjoys training and racing 15 hours a week, while still finding time to be a husband, father and podiatrist. 

We spoke to Peter about his history in the sport, his love of Masters racing and his goals for the 2019 Masters Road National Championships. 

Did you grow up cycling?

No, I grew up playing Soccer from the age of 12. I ended up playing at an elite level and representing the South Australian State under 14 and 15 team and I was involved with the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) when it first started for about two years.

I represented Campbelltown City and Croydon in the South Australian Premier League where my highest achievement was being selected in the final 25 players for the Australian under 17 Soccer Team for the World Cup. My brother Olivio, introduced me to cycling after I had 2 knee reconstructions on each knee and an arthroscopy.

Tell us a bit about Norwood CC and how they support their Masters riders?

I’m involved on the committee for the Club, I manage and direct the Chesser Chemicals Elite and Masters teams. We run weekly criteriums and races throughout the year, it’s such a great way to keep up your fitness, race hard and have some fun against your mates and competitors.

We support all riders all the way from juniors and elite riders to master’s level of both genders whether they are slow or fast.

Masters racing is fantastic, it’s a great way to meet new people especially as I came into the sport at 31 years old. Everyone is really driven to train and be fit to race and finding the balance between family and work is the key.

I think it's awesome especially on our training rides and races that I get to meet up with people like Rohan Dennis, Sam Welsford and race with fellow Masters riders like Steve McGlede who was a World Champion back in 1990.

Recently we even had Stephen Lane (HPTek Coaching) race as a guest rider in our current Super Series 2019 Team Time Trial Edition. Masters cycling gives me flexibility to train outdoors or on the ergo if the weather is bad, it also allows me to race whenever I like. Cycling doesn’t have to be lonely, we can ride with mates or competitors on bunch rides and team racing is fun and gives a sense of purpose for all riders. Everyone gets to feel like they have contributed in some way to achieving great racing results. Riders have their own strengths; and applying these can be tactical but immensely fun!

Why are you racing at Nationals and what are your goals for 2019?

I personally like being fit and healthy and being a good example for my family and kids is important. Setting goals and training for a purpose is also important to me.

For 2019 I would like to finish on the podium in the time trial as I feel it is my strength and is definitely my favourite event. It’s just me and the bike in a race against the clock which in my opinion is the hardest form of cycling and even if I just get a personal best then I will be super happy with that. I have also entered the road race and criterium to support this great event coming to SA.

Why Masters cycling?

I’m 41 years old and just racing for fun these days, however, I still enjoy racing A grade in our state and club races. I still love the competitive vibe and energy amongst the other Masters riders who share a common experience in our daily lives with family and work.

It’s fantastic to associate with different types of people (riders and volunteers) from all walks of life. We all share the same passion to train and race hard but most importantly have some fun along the way. And helping teammates make the most out of life and living through riding is rewarding. The camaraderie and coffee conversations are always enjoyable, to me It’s not always about winning!

With one of the state’s most stunning stretches of coastline, choose your own aquatic adventure or soothe the soul with a superb collection of beaches.

McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is home to pristine beaches and coastal nodes, each with their own unique rugged coastline and seaside charm. Whether you’re a keen surfer, love your snorkelling or scuba diving, or simply want to stroll and soak up the sun on the sand, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Here’s a snapshot of the region’s beaches…

Aldinga Beach
One of the region’s drive-on beaches, Aldinga’s expansive beach is patrolled by surf life savers and ideal for families on the sand. Fish and chips, picnic rugs, sun shades and sand castles, this beach was made for family fun.

Christies Beach
A popular patrolled surf beach, Christies is ideal for water activities, or a great seaside walk to Port Noarlunga. It’s also a hit with snorkelers, with the stunning Whitton Bluff reef.

Maslin Beach
The state’s iconic nudist beach, Maslin’s is a great one for the bucket list. While the southern end of the beach is reserved for unclad swimmers, the remainder of the beach is dog-friendly and perfect for a dip. The rugged red cliffs are a stunning contrast to the crisp blue waters.

Moana Beach
Moana is a great spot for kids and families with a nice beach break patrolled by surf life savers. The superb cliff-top walkway leads down to the beach and offers stunning vistas.

Port Noarlunga Beach
Port Noarlunga is an aquatic paradise. Drop a line off the jetty, or take a swim between the flags in the pristine waters, with the white sand just a hop, skip and a jump from the town centre. The reef towards the end of the jetty is also a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of some local sea life, forming part of the Encounter Marine Park.

Port Willunga Beach
One of the region’s most photographed beaches, Port Willunga is known for its golden cliff faces, crystal clear waters, white sands, famous old jetty and fishermen’s caves, carved into the cliffs. Because the beach almost forms a cove, the swell is ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking.

Seaford Beach
Known as one of the top surfing beaches in the area, it’s a regular hot-spot for locals. Seaford is also popular with kite-boarders and wind-surfers too. There’s a number of cafes and restaurants in nearby Seaford township when you need to feed the sea air driven hunger.

Sellicks Beach
Often called ‘the funnel’ by locals, Sellicks is ideal for kite-boarding, wind-surfing and paragliding. It’s also a top spot for fishing and home to a popular boat ramp. Swimming and walking are also stunning, providing an epic coastline view stretching down the Fleurieu coast.

South Port Beach
Where the river meets the sea, this is one of the most photographed areas of the region. A culmination of red sandstone cliffs, the aqua-toned river and pristine blue sea. Sunrise and sunset is a must at the lookout located at the top of the main staircase. Home to many aquatic activities - swimming, surf lessons, locally patrolled beach, as well as kayak or paddle board hire offering an opportunity to explore the Onkaparinga River.

To experience the region like a local, talk to the specialists at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre and visit www.mclarenvaleguide.com

From sculpture and street art, to pottery, homewares and paintings, McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast is scattered with art every which way you turn. With a significant arts history and a vibrant community, the region is full of public art and galleries to explore. 

Wineries aside, there’s plenty of other galleries, streetscapes and working studio’s with art to explore. Follow the trail from Port Noarlunga to Willunga with these few key stops.

Port Noarlunga Arts Centre
The Arts Centre hosts a range of exhibitions, workshops and performances throughout the year. There’s also a gift shop offering locally crafted mementos. Staff will guide you through what’s exhibiting and assist with where to go next.

Sauerbier House, Port Noarlunga
A working studio and exhibition space, Sauerbier House is an exquisitely restored heritage building situated on the picturesque river mouth at Port Noarlunga. The iconic locale and building are reason enough to visit, but head inside and you can chat to an artist in residence and view their current works. 

The Gallery, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre
Part of the region’s Visitor Centre, the Gallery exhibits a range of local artworks, changing throughout the year and is a must-do. The Visitor Centre is also home to expert staff with a wealth of information, maps and guides to help you make the most of your visit too. Ask for the public art trail and Fleurieu Arts and Culture Guide. 

Emprades Vintage & Design, Clarendon
Whilst an antique store by trade, it’s set out like a gallery space to browse and wander. There’s everything from exquisite vases to quirky Danish furniture, all housed in a heritage 1860s pickle factory that’s been lovingly restored. 

Willunga Glass Studio
Discover the glass creations of Glenn Howlett at his working studio. Creating hand-blown glass works for over 20 years, Glenn is happy to show visitors through his space. Take a special memento home from the gift store and gallery which is also home to Off the Slate gallery hosting a number of other local artists works too. 

Micky Barlow Gallery, McLaren Vale
Aboriginal contemporary artist and basket weaver Micky Barlow has recently opened her gallery in McLaren Vale where she displays and sells her stunning work. Her award-winning works tell stories of family members and dreamtime, make sure to chat to Micky while you’re there.

Red Poles, McLaren Vale
One of the regions largest showcase featuring over 350 local and South Australian artists, as well as hosting a unique collection of Indigenous works.

A visit to the Fleurieu Arthouse at Hardy’s Tintara in McLaren Vale is also a must.

To experience the region like a local, talk to the specialists at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre and visit www.mclarenvaleguide.com

Meet the Masters: Diane & Chris Otley-Doe 
What makes cycling even cycling better? When you race with a mate, or in this case, your spouse. 

Husband and wife Diane and Chris Otley-Doe will be tackling the 2019 Cycling Australia Masters Nationals in South Australia this October. 

After competing at elite levels when they were younger, the pair stepped away from the competitive sports landscape to raise their beautiful family and now that their kids are growing up the pair have decided to get back on the bike. 

We spoke to Diane about her husband’s decision to start racing again, what that first step back into the competitive scene was like, last years results and more.

How and why did you decide to race Masters?

Chris and I met through triathlons when we were both in the RAF in the UK in 1996. We have both raced for the GB Team - Chris at Half Ironman and Duathlon as an Age Group athlete and myself at Duathlon as both an Age Group and an Elite athlete. 

We both competed in the World Championships together for a number of years and I also did the European Champs. During that time we became hooked on Individual Time Trial racing as it is a much bigger sport in the UK than it is here in Australia with races most weekends and mid-week too. 

My best result was a Silver Medal in the National 10 Mile Time Trial. 

As we began to have a family, the racing had to take back seat and we now have three children - 18,17 and 13 who have all grown up as competitive swimmers so lots of time has been spent ferrying back and forth to the pool at ridiculously early times in the morning and sitting at swim meets as the support crew. 

My eldest son, James, finally passed his driving test early last year and suddenly I had much more time on my hands so after watching various friends competing on the bike through Facebook, I asked Chris if he fancied racing again! We have always kept fit and ridden the bikes for pleasure so it was a nice move for us.

What was it like when you started competing?

Two weeks after we decided to give racing a go again, despite the onset of a cold, we were on the start line for the first of a four-race time trial series here in Queensland.

With a new pair of aero bars strapped to my old road bike and, apart from leaving my lungs somewhere out on the course, I very happily finished second in the C Grade. 

Unfortunately, the cold developed into a persistent cough which had me sitting on the sidelines cheering Chris on in the second race, but for the third race, I entered the B Grade and came second again. 

The last of the series was the Qld State Champs so I was really fired up by now and my loving husband bought me a new time trial bike and we upped the training regime. I entered the A Grade and had a great race to take out first place at the age of 52. 

Our 2018 Nationals
I decided to try my hand at the Masters Nationals and with lots of support from my husband and my old coach, Bob Addy I managed to finish second.  

I also gave the Elite Nationals a go in January this year and finished 14th. Both Chris and I were going to do the Bathurst Gran Fondo in March but unfortunately, I started to have lower back troubles and couldn’t race, though Chris had a great race and finished 54th/187. 

I tried physio for my back but every time I tried to get back on the bike it came back. I’ve since put it down to an over-optimistic bike fit (our bodies are less flexible and forgiving as we get older!) Luckily, my local Trek dealer, Chris Moore kindly offered me a bike fit at his shop and after some chiro treatment, plus pilates and RPM classes I have been able to slowly build up my cycling again. 

I did the third race in the Qld ITT series in August and came second in the A Grade so I’m now aiming for the State Champs in September and having another shot at the Masters Nationals in October. If that goes well then I will probably try to improve on my Elite Nationals result as I would love to get a top 10.

Favourite event 

Our favourite event is definitely the Time Trial as we love the fact that it is an individual effort and all down to your fitness and mental toughness on the day.

I certainly would not be able to race as well as I do without the love and support of my husband Chris. We train together and race together when we can and are very competitive, we’re always trying to beat each other on Strava! 

How does Gold Coast CC support Masters riders?

The Gold Coast Cycling Club has been very welcoming and they hold lots of crit racing for masters though we haven’t been able to race them yet due to work and family commitments.

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