Open road race something to Crowe about

BLUE skies and brilliant sunshine greeted the forty-five riders who competed in the Eureka Open on Sunday 29 October on roads near Burrumbeet, Waubra and Learmonth.

The front half of the handicap field took full advantage of the wind turbines standing deathly still, using the rare wind free day to stave off the chasing hordes.

The 14-minute group shared the race lead with 12 kilometres remaining and didn’t look back.

Ten riders remained in contention for the win as the leaders turned onto the Avenue of Honour.

Steven Crowe from Eureka attacked with seven kilometres remaining, with only fellow club member Peter Lamb Eureka and Peter Wynne from Geelong Surf Coast able to bridge the gap.

The trio stayed away from the chasers, with Wynne and Crowe fighting out a tight sprint finish separated by mere millimetres.

Eureka Open, 55.6km masters handicap results – 1st – Steven Crowe (14 min) Ballarat/ Eureka, 2nd – Peter Wynne (14 min) Geelong Surf Coast, 3rd – Peter Lamb (14 min) Eureka/ Ballarat, 4th – Peter Livitsanis (17 min) Eureka, 5th – Steve Linane (17 min), Ballarat/ Eureka, 6th – Brian Ure (14 min) Eureka/ Ballarat, 7th – Gavin Gamble (11 min) Geelong Surf Coast, 8th – Les Tokolyi (14 min) Geelong Surf Coast, 9th – Patrick Cashin (17 min) Eureka, 10th – Andrew Wilson (11 min) Eureka / Ballarat.

First Woman – Jennifer Collier (22 min) Eureka.

Fastest Time – Nick Locandro (scratch) Carnegie/ Eureka in 1h 16m 15s, ave. 43.7kph.

– DEAN WELLS