Jen holds off pack for victory

Mount Gambier Cycling Club riders tackle Attamurra Road course

After inclement weather postponed the Alex Bailey Memorial late last month, 15 riders signed up to ride the next race in the Mount Gambier Cycling Club cycling calendar, which was to be a 30km race on an out-and-back course along Attamurra Road.

The wind was coming from the north, which meant a headwind at the start and a tailwind for the way home.

The first group of riders to leave included Bruce McLaughlin, Jen Buckland and Jason Buckland, followed 6 minutes later by Mike Bakker, John De Pree and Troy Mustey. Dean Zeven and Elmer Buckland had another four minutes to wait before they could start, followed three minutes later by Patrick Langsmith and Phil Stasiw. The second last group, leaving one minute later, consisted of Gerard Coote and Riley Hill, before the fastest group containing Matthew Opperman, Jami Buckley and Craig Andrae were given their orders to begin the chase, a further three minutes later.

The head wind on the outward leg made the going difficult as each of the groups tried to maintain their pace ahead of the chasers. By the time the riders turned for home, the fatigue in their legs meant that some riders were not able to increase the pace as much as others as the wind turned to their backs.

Out in front Jen and Bruce were trying to hold onto their lead, while being chased by Mike and John, and as it came down to the final sprint they were just able to hold off the chasers for Jen Buckland to record the victory just ahead of Bruce McLaughlin, then John De Pree and Mike Bakker. Jason Buckland was next to cross the line, just ahead of the sprinting Matthew Opperman, taking out fastest time honours), ahead of Jami Buckley, Craig Andrae, Dean Zeven and Elmer Buckland. They were followed to the finish line by Phil Stasiw, Troy Mustey, Riley Hill, Paddy Langsmith and Gerard Coote.

The club will have another break from racing for the school holidays, before a 25km race at the familiar Caves Road circuit on October 23.

ATTAMURRA ROAD PODIUM: (Above) Matthew Opperman (fastest), Bruce McLaughlin (2nd), Jen Buckland (1st) & John De Pree (3rd)

ON THE ROAD: (Far left) Phil Stasiw & Paddy Langsmith and (left) Jami Buckley & Matthew Opperman