Jenkin takes out the Kongorong race

Buckley fights off Opperman for fastest time

Riders gathered at the Kongorong Primary school for the 8th race in their Summer Series.

After many false starts due to very poor weather conditions, a beautiful morning with a light southerly breeze greeted the 19 riders who were looking forward to a four lap race around Kongorong.

Before the senior race, the junior riders had a 10km ride, with Matthew Opperman continuing their education in riding and racing on the road. Molly Opperman and Ethan McKenny then competed for the sprint over the final 500m, with Ethan just overtaking Molly before the line.

Following the completion of the junior ride, and with a short rest for Charlie and Ethan to recover, the Senior racers began to line up for their handicapped start.

First group of riders included Jason Buckland, Dianne Major, and Charlie Jenkin in his first longer distance race with the club. They were given a three minute break before Jen Buckland, John Kidman and Don Sforcina began their race, with another five minute break before the next group containing Ethan McKenny, Dave Delaland, Bruce McLaughlin and Dave Tye could leave.

A further six minute wait ensued before Spek Peake, John de Pree and Dean Zeven began their race, then another seven minute wait for the final group consisting of Gerard Coote, Jami Buckley, Colin Weatherill, Patrick Langsmith, Elmer Buckland and Matthew Opperman before their race began.

The 21 minute gap between the first group and final group was such that the first two groups had already completed their initial 8.5km lap before the final group had even started their race.

Approximately 10km into the race, the first twogroups joined together at about the same time that the scratch group unlapped themselves.

Charlie latched onto the back of Don and Jen as they edged away from John, Dianne, and Jason, whilst Matthew and Jami took advantage of the confusion to put a gap into Elmer, Patrick, Gerard and Colin. As each lap was completed the riders enjoyed the encouragement of the supporters who had gathered at the finish line.

Out in front, Don, Jen and Charlie were able to hold onto their advantage, and as the finish line at the primary school came into sight the pace lifted, then in the final sprint Charlie Jenkin was just able to pass Jen Buckland for the victory with Don Sforcina finishing in third place.

Ethan McKenny was the next to finish, leading Dave Tye and Bruce McLaughlin across the line, before Dave Delaland, Spek Peake, John De Pree and Dean Zeven completed the top 10.

In the race for fastest time, Jami Buckley finished ahead of Matthew Opperman, followed by Dianne Major, Jason Buckland, John Kidman, Patrick Langsmith, Colin Weatherill, Elmer Buckland and Gerard Coote.

SENIOR PODIUM: (Above top) Jami Buckley (Fastest), Jen Buckland (2nd), Charlie Jenkin (1st) & Don Sforcina (3rd)

JUNIOR PODIUM: (Above bottom) Ethan McKenny, Molly Opperman & Charlie Jenkin

RACE TO THE LINE: (Left) Jami Buckley & Matthew Opperman in the tight race to the line for fastest time