Successful trial for Larkin

EUREKA Cycling staged the first handicap race of the season in fine conditions on Sunday.

Thirty-seven riders signed on for the 45-kilometre race, including Damian Larkin who was one of two riders competing on a free trial licence.

Strong throughout the race, Larkin took the line honours in a bunch sprint and earned plaudits from his fellow riders.

Jason Birch was second across the line, yet claimed the handicap victory.

Significantly for the Eureka club – six women competed. This is believed to be a club record for the number of female starters contesting a regular club race and augurs well for the upcoming La Course aux velo Femmes, or Women’s Bicycle Race, on Saturday, 15 February, which carries prize money in excess of $1000.

Results – line honours – Damian Larkin (7 min) –

Handicap result – 1st – Jason Birch (4 min), 2nd – Peter Canny (7 min), 3rd – Matt Angus (7 min), 4th – Bob Braszell (7 min), 5th – Darryn Reed (4 min)

Fastest Time – Tim Canny (Scratch) in 1 hour, 7 minutes, 15 seconds at an average speed of 39.8kph.