Back on the bike & the road

COBWEBS were dusted off the bikes earlier this month for the opening race of the Mount Gambier Cycling Club’s first race of the spring eager participants took to the Yahl out and back course.

The rain held off but the wind certainly made its presence felt with blustery conditions of WNW Winds at 25 to 30km/h.

It was going to be fast racing to the turn marker with a brisk tailwind, but that friend would turn nasty for the return journey with riders working hard into the head wind back to the finish line.

With John Cranwell officiating as Commissaire, he gave a short race briefing, and then got the event under way.

The first competitor and the only limit rider Amelia Milne who was heading out for a very admiral solo effort to battle the elements by herself.

Nine minutes lapsed before the second limit bunch of new club rider Morgan Mutch and club stalwart Spek Peake began their chase, while eight minutes later the scratch bunch of Miles Kroon, Craig Andrae and Chris Neave took to the course in an attempt to catch the other riders ahead of them.

Amelia was enjoying the tail wind and riding strongly on her way out to the turn around marker at 12.5km along Caroline Rd, Morgan was a bit of an unknown quantity and proved to be a bit strong for Spek and had started to pull a gap and went solo on his way to making some inroads into Amelia’s lead.

Miles, Craig and Chris were loving the tail wind and pushing the pace as they worked smoothly as a team towards the turnaround and it was now that they could see the first riders coming back towards them on their return leg.

Amelia was working strongly into the wind now on her return trip to the finish line with Morgan working consistently trying to close the gap, Spek had now succumbed to the scratch bunch in the last few k’s to the finish line.

Amelia was now in sight of the finish line hoping that she had done enough, which ultimately she had and rode strongly to the line to take the win.

Morgan couldn’t quite close the gap but finished with a well earned second place.

Chris was leading the scratch bunch to the top of the last hill before the finishing straight when Miles attacked and took the lead as they crested the hill with Craig in hot pursuit.

Miles held a consistent pace to the line for a well earned third place and fastest time with Craig and then Chris followed shortly after by Spek rounding out the placings.

Hats off to both Craig and Spek for turning out today after racing the day prior at Portland’s 71km classic where Craig placed a very credible fifth in a very strong field of competitors.

Big thanks to race sponsor Associated Roof Tiling all competitors for turning out and braving the conditions and to the race officials and volunteers John Cranwell, Lee Cranwell, Di Major and Ben Kroon.

Hope to see all riders out next Sunday 19th at Race 2, Tarpeena Out & Back over 25km.

RACE 1 PLACINGS

1st – Amelia Milne

2nd – Morgan Mutch

3r – Miles Kroon (Fastest Time)

4th – Craig Andrae

5th – Chris Neave

6th – Spek Peake