8-Hour Endurance at The Bend
On Saturday, 2 August, Norwood International High School’s Pedal Prix teams tackled the gruelling 8-hour endurance race at The Bend Motorsport Park. The day began blanketed in thick fog, causing...
On Thursday 20 November, Norwood International High School’s Blazing Eagles team, a combined crew of riders from Spurls (Sofia, Julisaa, Grace S, Grace K and Willow) and XP8 (Digby, Remy, Daniel, Nickolas and Isaac), travelled to Maryborough, Victoria to compete in the Energy Breakthrough event. This unique 3-day program challenges schools from across Australia to design, build, present, and race human-powered vehicles as part of a truly holistic STEM and endurance experience.
Energy Breakthrough is far more than a pedal prix race. Each team must compete across three areas of assessment:
- Design and Construction (25 points)
- Display and Presentation (25 points)
- Trial (50 points)
The Blazing Eagles impressed the judging panel with confident and polished performances in both the Design and Construction and Display and Presentation components.
The centrepiece of the event, the 24-hour endurance trial, pushed teams to their limits. Across day and night, the Blazing Eagles showed remarkable determination. Persistent rain throughout the night made driving conditions slippery and mentally demanding as the trike fogged extensively. The team faced additional challenges after receiving two Return to Pits notices, each requiring the rider to sit out for 30 minutes. Despite these setbacks, every rider and pit crew member stepped up, adapting to shifting conditions and supporting one another throughout the entire 24-hour period.
Their resilience and teamwork shone through, and the results speak for themselves!
The Blazing Eagles claimed first place in the C Class Category (Secondary Schools/ Mixed Gender) with an outstanding score of 95.3/100.
The event was especially meaningful as it marked the farewell race for five of our Year 12 riders, Sofia, Digby, Remy, Daniel, Nickolas, who concluded their Pedal Prix journey with remarkable performances in one of the most challenging races on the calendar.
Every member of the team, whether preparing presentation materials and the trike prior to departure, delivering presentations, behind the wheel of the trike or working tirelessly in the pits, played a vital role in achieving this success. Their teamwork, maturity, and positive spirit were a credit to the school.
The students would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to staff members Ben O’Connell and Kimberley O’Brien for leading and supporting the team in the lead up to and throughout the event, and to parent supporters Colin Sweeney and Jacque Rybalka, whose practical assistance and encouragement were invaluable over the long weekend.
After a long journey to and from Maryborough, the Blazing Eagles returned home on Sunday tired, but absolutely thrilled, and with a well-earned victory to celebrate. This achievement reflects not only their racing skill, but also their creativity, resilience, and belief in one another.
Congratulations to the Blazing Eagles on an exceptional performance and a memorable finish to the season.
Kimberley O’Brien
Pedal Prix Team Manager
