Cyclists back on the road

After a three week hiatus for the school holidays, Mount Gambier Cycling Club continued its Spring Series, sponsored by Kidman Law Co, with a 25km handicap race along Caves Road. With rain featuring in the forecast for the day, 11 riders still decided to brave the potential conditions for the race. They were faced with a Ssouth-easterly breeze that would make the outward leg difficult before a quick run with the wind to the finish line.

First to leave were the familiar trio of Damian Buckley, Jason Buckland, and Jen Buckland. They were given a head start of 6 minutes over the next pairing of Spek Peake and John De Pree, with another four minutes elapsing before Patrick Langsmith and Elmer Buckland were given their departing orders. The final group, consisting of Jami Buckley, Matthew Opperman, Colin Weatherill and Nick Kidman, waited a further four minutes before they set off in pursuit of those ahead of them.

Riders faced a headwind on the outward leg, and worked hard to minimise the time they spent with their nose in the wind. Unfortunately Spek had a puncture early in the race, which meant that John was riding in Individual time trial mode between groups. Colin also was not quite able to hold on to the fastest group, consigned to a long lonely race off the back. Elmer and Patrick were caught by the fastest riders within the first 11km, holding on to the train to the turnaround marker.

Speeds increased markedly after the turnaround, as the riders took full advantage of the tail wind. Jason Buckland held on to the leading group until about 6km to the finish line, leaving Damian and Jen Buckland to try and hold off the chasing groups. In the ride to the finish Jen Buckland timed her sprint perfectly to ride past Damian Buckley for the victory, with John de Pree only 50 metres behind, having nearly made up his six minute handicap. Jami Buckley took out fourth position, and fastest time in the final sprint of the fast men, less than one minute behind the victors. He finished ahead of Matthew Opperman, Nick Kidman and Patrick Langsmith. Following that group were Jason Buckland, Elmer Buckland and Colin Weatherill.

The club is now gearing up for the 3rd Annual Crank the Crater Challenge to be held from the bottom of the Valley Lakes to the Tower Car Park on the morning of December 4. All riders are welcome to this community event – trial licensing available for those who don’t have an Auscycling licence.

CAVES ROAD PODIUM: Jami Buckley (Fastest), Damian Buckley (2nd), John De Pree (3rd) & Jen Buckland (1st)