Top western suburbs cyclists have the chance to add their names to one of cycling’s most prestigious honour rolls in the west when the 55th annual Bob Robson Memorial road cycling race is run in Williamstown on Anzac Day.
A who’s who of Australian champions have won the famous race, including the legendary Peter Besanko, Don Allan, David Allan and John Bylsma.
It takes place on a circuit of Pasco, Verdon and Perry streets and Railway Place, 2.30-3.30pm, on Saturday, with a support race starting an hour earlier.
Footscray Cycling Club criterium champion Dom Dudkiewicz is a clear favourite but will not have it all his own way, with Matt Heath, Mark Ferguson, James Love and last year’s winner Miles Da Costa all in great form.
The race is named and run in honour of the late Bob Robson, who was a foundation member of the Williamstown RSL Club and the Williamstown Cycling Club.
These clubs merged into the Footscray Cycling Club in 1970.
Robson was a well known and popular figure in Williamstown until his death in 1959. He owned and operated the Seagull Cycles shop on Ferguson Street, which was popular among cyclists.
Robson lived behind the Williamstown RSL and was a committed member and worker for the returned veterans’ club.
The Bob Robson Memorial has formed part of the RSL Club’s Anzac Day celebrations since 1960.
