Strong winds test riders

THE 4th race of the Mt Gambier Cycling Club’s 2025 Summer Series was held on the familiar 30km Attamurra Road course, revisiting the course from earlier In February.

Also familiar was the wind, strengthening during the race and sapping the energy of the 11 riders who lined up for the start.

Amali Judd and Amelia Milne, returning to the road after their efforts at the Track Carnival recently, were joined by Dave Delaland and another newcomer to racing in Des Stackpole as our first riders away.

It was quickly apparent that Amali was riding a lot more strongly than the handicappers expected, as she rode away from her group within the first kilometre, consigning herself to a difficult 30km race without respite.

Meanwhile, back at the start line, Phil Stasiw, Tegan Kuhl, Dan Whitehead and Xavier Farmilo waited patiently for 19 minutes to tick over before they were given their chance to start their race, followed three minutes later by Ethan McKenny, Rob Mann and Craig Andrae.

As they approached the half-way turnaround mark, Amali was still riding strongly out in front, with Des, Dave and Amelia also working well together to try and hold the other riders at bay.

Despite feeling very ordinary, Phil was also holding on to his group, along with Tegan, Xavier and Dan. Ethan, Craig and Rob were also continuing to ride strongly and eating into the lead of the other riders.

The wind picked up for the return leg, with the riders experiencing a strong headwind between Red Hill Rd and Mingbool Station, and a crosswind for the rest of the ride.

Amali Judd was not to be denied, and crossed the line first after a fantastic solo effort.

There was an approximate eight minute wait for the next riders to come into view, with Amelia Milne arriving in second place ahead of an encouraging Dave Delaland, then Des Stackpole.

Ethan McKenny finished just 20 seconds later, sprinting to the line to take fastest time honours ahead of Rob Mann, then came Dan Whitehead, Xavier Farmilo, Tegan Kuhl, Craig Andrae and Phil Stasiw.

Next weekend’s race will take place along the Overland Track at Glencoe, followed by a hilltop finish on Range Hill.