Nick Kidman wins 2023 Soldiers Memorial on ANZAC Day

Glorious weather set the stage for one of the main races on Mount Gambier Cycling Club’s calendar, the Soldiers Memorial race.

First held more than 70 years ago, the Soldiers Memorial has been a staple part of the racing calendar, and a nice lead-in race for the 100 Mile Classic which is held mid-May. Numbers from outside the club have fallen post-COVID, but 20 hardy souls still signed on to participate in the race, including two riders from Port Fairy. The U13 and U15 riders were given an increase of race distance to 12km for their race, with Molly Opperman beginning two minutes ahead of Xavier Farmilo and Sean Tye. Despite their best efforts the boys were unable to hunt Molly down, with Molly crossing the line just over one minute ahead of Xavier, who had outsprinted Sean to the line.

Between races David Tye read the Ode of Remembrance, followed by the playing of the Last Post and a minute’s silence. The first group of riders to set off on the race were Damian Buckley, Jen Buckland and Jason Buckland. They were given a five minute head start over the next group consisting of David Tye, Dave Delaland and Bruce McLaughlin, with John Cranwell, Spek Peake, Dean Zeven and Ethan McKenney beginning their race three minutes later.

After a further four minutes had elapsed Gerard Coote, Elmer Buckland, Patrick Langsmith and Jason Puschenjak were allowed to begin their chase, with Matthew Opperman and Craig Andrae following three minutes later.

The second last pairing containing Scott Waters and Jami Buckley had to wait another two minutes, followed a further three minutes later by Nick Kidman and Cadel Howie.

The 20 minute gap from the first group to the last pairing was roughly equivalent to 10km of the race distance.

The riders enjoyed a slight tailwind out to the turnaround mark, which was located just before the road turned towards Dry Creek. The uphill sections closer to the turnaround would quickly put a halt to the ambitions of Damian and Jason, with both racers losing touch with their erstwhile companion, Jen. They were then passed by Dave Tye, Dave Delaland, John, Dean, Spek, Ethan and Bruce just before the turnaround marker. All other groups worked well to the turnaround marker, with the gaps between the groups closing quickly.

Some of the riders were starting to feel the effects of the warm weather and later race time, and unfortunately David Tye was forced to abandon the race with severe cramping, while other riders were unable to maintain the pace of their group.

With 17km left to race the final three groups to leave had merged and continued charging to catch the groups remaining ahead of them. With 3km remaining Dean, John and Spek began to think they had a small chance to hold off the chasing riders, but alas they were caught before the end.

In the race to the line Nick Kidman held off all other riders, taking the win and fastest time, followed by Scott Waters and Jami Buckley.

In fourth place was Cadel Howie, then Matthew Opperman, Spek Peake, John Cranwell, Dean Zeven, Gerard Coote, Patrick Langsmith, Craig Andrae, Elmer Buckland, Jason Puschenjak, Bruce McLaughlin, Ethan McKenny, Jen Buckland, and Dave Delaland.

There was a long gap where most riders had already left to prepare for presentations before Jason Buckland and Damian Buckley finally finished.

Presentations were held at the Mount Gambier RSL, with afternoon tea supplied by the RSL Women’s Auxiliary. Thanks to Borg Warner for their sponsorship of this race, and the support of the RSL.