The Cycling Foundation has been formed to honour the huge contribution Wal Smith made to cycling in Australia.
The purpose of the Foundation is to:
PROMOTE
Continued support and promotion for the “Wal Smith Memorial Casterton 50” cycling event on an annual basis..
DEVELOP
Assist with the welfare and educational needs through scholarships for young cyclists in regional areas.
“The ultimate goals of the Wal Smith Cycling Foundation are a reflection of the personality and integrity of this man and stand as a memorial to the selfless, outstanding contribution to cycling and society by Walter (Wal) Rigney Smith.”
Wal Smith - Cycling Legend
Born in Casterton, where he started racing at the age of 15, Wal Smith dedicated his life to cycling both as a competitor and an administrator.
Known as “Mr Cycling”, his string of victories included the Mt Gambier 100, the Hamilton 75 and the Casterton 50.
Wal also rode the Victorian Sun Tour (now Herald Sun Tour) twice and the Melbourne to Warrnambool road race 18 times.
Wal’s continuing and profound presence in the sport, particularly behind the scenes, earned him an outstanding reputation as an administrator.
His lifelong passion for the sport was rewarded when Wal was inducted into the Victorian Cycling Hall of Fame; acknowledging his exceptional contribution as a cycling official, promoter, press correspondent and commentator for over 50 years.
