Big names turn out for big ride

Eureka Cycling raced a fifty-kilometre handicap on Sunday, 10 April.

Five laps of the windswept Weatherboard circuit proved testing for the high-quality assembled peloton.

The back end of the field was a veritable who’s who of local racers including Dayne Pearce, Stu Brien and Paul Tabbitt who welcomed Patrick Shaw to his first vets handicap.

That bunch was being chased by the scratch group with Jason Hendry, Shane Nankervis, Jarrod King, Jay Bourke and Tim Canny surging out of the blocks.

The race itself became something of a team time trial with most bunches not catching anyone.  Danny Whelan, Peter Lamb and James Knipe put on a masterclass of controlled riding and stayed clear to collect the entire podium with a few minutes to spare.

Eureka Cycling Club will be hosting the South Pacific Cycling Championships over the Easter long weekend.

Riders from around the state will travel to compete at the three-day carnival, which includes the individual time trial, criteriums and road race handicap disciplines.

Weatherboard 50km handicap results – 1st – Danny Whelan (18 mins), 2nd – Peter Lamb (18 mins), 3rd – James Knipe (18 mins), 4th – Darryn Reed (13 mins), 5th – Rick Calvert (13 mins).

Fastest time – Jay Bourke (scratch) in 1h 14m 30s, ave. 40.9kph.

 

– BY DEAN WELLS