Rider profiles-Danny Bellis
I've always enjoyed riding a bike from a young age, but it's only been the last fourteen years that I've been competing. I came from a competing running background for twenty-one years specializing in middle distance to long distance track, road and cross-country racing. Stopped running due to injuries and work commitments and then took to bike. I scanned the local paper and noticed the weekend cycling results with former running colleagues doing well in their new sport. I had to give it a go just to keep fit. I joined Footscray Cycling Club and it re-ignited the competitive spirit in me and I haven't looked back.
I loved the club racing then discovered the open events that offered huge fields, travel and alternative venues. After competing at Footscray races, opens were often easier. I have ridden in scratch and A Grade levels in opens over several years when aged 37-40. Competed in two seasons of Mountain bike races. I found MTB very demanding as it's flat out, down hill sections are intimidating and more exhausting than road racing. It's great to get out in forests on single tracks.
I remained with road racing as I love the speed, working turns, excel in climbing but have no sprint. I 'm also a techno nut and love to keep up on the internet and magazines for latest products. I probably could have had better results earlier, I didn't think like a pure cyclist (selfish), but I like to work in a bunch, make others hurt and feel like I spent energy and had a good time.
I have been a customer of G& D Cycles for many years and was rapt when G&D Cycles noticed my ability and offered to be part of the team and wear their jersey and knicks. I have built a good relationship and friendship with Han's, Aaron, Pete and Neville over that time. They have been extremely generous and supportive to me so I'm a loyal and committed customer forever. Anyone who shops there will also notice these qualities and not to mention their competitive prices.
I own several bikes; For the trails; Raceline Expert, 9s LX group, Ever reliable Hans' built wheels I have a TT bike, Giant OCR frame, 9S Dura ace group, HED disc & X-treme deep carbon front wheel (crap) Training bike; Trek 2000 frame, 8S Dura ace group, Ever reliable Hans' built wheels I race on a Trek 5200 OCLV nude frame, Campy 10S group, FSA SLK Mega-exo carbon cranks, Sport Design ergonomic carbon bars, Campy Euros wheels.
Achievements: 2005
- 1st; Australian Road Race Champs, Masters 3
- 1st DeBortoli Tour, GC & Stages 1 & 3 Masters 4/5/6/&7
- 2nd DeBortoli Tour, ITT Masters 4/5/6/&7
- 1st Mt William Classic (Grampians) Masters
- 1st Footscray 3 Day Tour, Stage 1
- 4th Footscray 3 Day Tour, Overall
Achievements: 2004
- 1st Tour of Bright, GC & KOM Masters 2/3
- 2nd Tour of Bright, Stage 3 Masters 2/3
- 1st Victorian Road Race Champs Masters 3
- 2nd Victorian Road ITT Champs Masters 3
- 2nd Metropolitan Road Champs Masters 3
- 8th Midlands Tour, Overall B Grade, 1st + Sprint
Achievements: 2003
- 1nd Victorian Road ITT Champs Masters 3
- 3rd Victorian Road Race Champs Masters 3
- 2nd Metropolitan Road Champs Masters 3
Achievements: 2002
- 1st Victorian Criterium Champs Masters 2
- 1st Footscray 3 Day Tour, Stage 2
- 3rd Footscray 3 Day Tour, Overall
- 5th Midlands Tour , Overall
- B Grade 1st + Sprint
Achievements: 2001
- 1st Victorian Clubs TTT Champs Open
- 19th Canberra Tour A Grade
- 5th Melbourne to Shepparton Scratch
Others
- 2nd Footscray 3 Day Tour, Overall
- 2nd Tour of Bright, GC & KOM B Grade
- 1st Tour of Bright, Stage 2 B Grade
- 1st Tour of Bright, KOM B Grade
- 5th Midlands Tour A Grade
Favorite things...And other stuff
- Age:44
- Favourite Training:Around Kinglake, Kangaroo Ground
- Usual Training: Home in Werribee to work in Broadmeadows
- Hobbies:Weather watching (storms), Walking
- Favourite Music: Alternative
- Favourite Movies: Matrix and Alien Series
- Favourite foods: Wholemeal food, Cereals, fruits, cakes Avoid sweets as I find addictive.