The club where anything is possible

It could be something to do with what’s in the water in Mansfield.

But it’s more likely to do with the role the Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club has played in seeing three of their members take part in UCI World Championship events this year alone.

Ruby Dobson, Elise Empey and Talia Appleton all wore the green and gold for Australia across different disciplines.

Ruby on the cross-country bike, Elise in downhill and Talia on the road.

For President Dave Empey it’s a testament to the support of the club in assisting riders achieve their goals.

“We have some very experienced riders and coaches in the club so there is a wealth of knowledge and experience to assist younger riders.

“I know the older guys in the morning road group love seeing three teenage girls tear the bunch to bits as a group. The club also supports the girls financially and this support is significant.”

All three were drawn to the club in their primary school days from racing dirt crits to progressing through the ranks in the XC, road and gravity club races in their teens.

“The club also runs the tour of Mansfield and a VDHS Downhill event each year, so the girls have been exposed to high level competition even before they were able to race it. And they also volunteer and help at club days.

“They are good mates, they have all been at school together since primary school and all celebrate each other’s success’,” Empey said.

Elise won her second junior downhill crown earlier this year.

And at her very first world championships in Les Gets, France she would finish sixth.

2022 was a good one domestically for Dobson who won the Junior women XCO, XCC and cyclo-cross titles and finished sixth at the road nationals.

Her world championship campaign saw her part of the Australian XC team relay which finished 14th.

She would back up a day later for the XCO where she’d place 50th.

For Appleton while there was no national crown there were still impressive results on the road.

And only recently the opportunity to race in front of her home crowd at a world championships where she would be the highest placed Australian junior.

Empey cannot emphasise enough how important it is for their members to be supported and have the opportunity to try whatever is on two wheels.

The 126-member club has an even split of male and female and are driven to increase participation at any level.

“Having three strong junior females in the club has certainly shown that anything is possible from Mansfield.”

You can check out the club’s website here.