Effort rewarded, in and out if the saddle

EUREKA Cycling Club staged The Livitsanis trophy race on the Windmill circuit in warm and windy conditions on Sunday, 4 December.

Shaw’s Cycling Centre sponsored the entry fee for all participants and a healthy sized field of 24 riders lining up.

Winner of the race would also see their name go onto the iconic Blue Wheel Trophy, which each year is dedicated towards an active volunteer at the club.

The 2022 edition of the race recognised the magnificent contribution of Peter Livitsanis as a committee member and the club’s long time Secretary.

A challenging handicap meant that from the outset the backmarkers would have to put in herculean efforts to reel the front half of the race in

The big head start was reward for the top riders who controlled the previous week’s race so easily.

The 11-minute group was the largest of the day and they took all before them.

A few riders from the 14 minute group were able to hold on when they were caught seven kilometres from the finish.

Eight riders remained in contention as they roared to the finish line with a strong tailwind helping their efforts.

Alana Forster opened the sprint early and the rest of the bunch responded.

Steven Crowe looked the winner, however Jeremy Humber was able to weave through the pack and take the prize.

Race sponsor Dennis Shaw was close behind in third place, with Steve Linane and Peter Livitsanis filling fourth and fifth places respectively.

A short while later the combined scratch and second scratch bunch flew across the line with Jason Hendry claiming fastest time

This day was also presentation day for Eureka Cycling Club and The Livitsanis race counted towards the all-important Club Aggregate for season 2022.

Only after the event were the final placings confirmed.

Meanwhile, club president Stu Brien also presented Dean Wells with a Life Membership. Wells joins Lois Goldfinch, Bill Goldfinch, Terry Collie, Ken Heres and Mal Rock as recipients of this club honour.

The Livitsanis (aka Blue Wheel Trophy race), 35km handicap results -1st – Jeremy Humber (11 mins), 2nd – Steve Crowe (14 mins), 3rd – Dennis Shaw (11 mins), 4th – Steve Linane (11 mins), 5th – Peter Livitsanis (11 mins), Fastest Time – Jason Hendry (scratch) in 54m 0s, ave. 39.2kph

2022 Eureka Aggregate – Jason Hendry 53pts, Peter Livitsanis 49pts, Geoff Edwards 47pts, Stu Brien 43pts, Darryn Reed 41pts, Dean Wells 41pts, Jason Birch 38pts, Tony Mirabella 36pts, Danny Whelan 29pts, Evan King 26pts.

– BY DEAN WELLS