Bendigo Madison 50th anniversary plans in the pipeline
As one Bendigo International Madison Carnival comes to a close, plans are already in motion for next year's event.
It will not just be any Madison, it will mark the carnival's 50th anniversary.
"It's a significant milestone for any sports carnival to reach 50 years," BIM committee secretary Rik McCaig said.
"As a committee our plan is to get back together, talk about the changes, which could even include extending the carnival by a day to bring more races to Bendigo."
The 2020 carnival itself had a major change, the women's race was moved to Sunday night which has been praised by riders and the crowd.
It also coincided with International Women's Day, making it all the more special.
"Being International Women's Day it really showcased cycling through the women's Madison and racing on equal terms as the men," McCaig said.
"Everyone appreciated the move and we've received great feedback through messages and social media, it's an indicator that we made the right choice."
The women's race was won by Alex Martin Wallace and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, who blitzed the field.
"They were a level above the rest of the field and rode wonderfully," McCaig said.
"Even the minor places were fought out really hard, there were four teams in the last sprint that could have finished second."
The winning pair were followed by Ella Sibley/Katarina Chung Orr in second and Georgia Danford/Rylee McMullen in third.
Josh Duffy and Conor Leahy
In the men's Madison Conor Leahy, who was involved in the 2019 crash, rode to victory with Josh Duffy.
"What a story for Conor, to come back and win this year's race with Josh," McCaig said.
"Josh has been coming to the carnival for years since he was a young kid, they are both ripper young blokes and it was great to see them racing like they did last night.
"Credit to the whole field, it was a brilliant race."
The winning pair were followed by Jensen Plowright and Bill Simpson in second position and Stephen Hall and Michael Frieberg in third.
Among the field in both Madisons were several Bendigo riders, some making their debut.
In the women's race, locals Peta Mullens and Olivia Sens were in their first ever Bendigo Madison.
Among the men's Madison field, Connor Sens, Sam Buckell, Pat Eddy and Sam Eddy made their debuts.
"For the riders making their debut in the Madison it gave them a great taste of what it's like to ride against the elites of the sport," McCaig said.
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