Wet & wild edition of 100 Mile Classic

THE streets and countryside surrounding Mount Gambier came alive this weekend as the Mount Gambier Cycling Club hosted the 88th running of the historic 100 Mile Classic.

The staged event, held in conjunction with AusCycling South Australia, welcomed more than 130 riders in a showcase of endurance, talent and rising stars of the sport.

A strong field of 80 senior men, 12 women, and more than 40 junior riders took to the course in what turned out to be an unpredictable weekend of weather.

Windswept roads and intermittent rain created tough racing conditions, making it difficult for riders to find their rhythm but despite this, the determination and camaraderie among the peloton shone through.

The senior men’s race saw a dominant performance from Geelong’s Tynan Shannon (pictured below right with Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin), who took both first place and fastest time honours.

In the women’s field, Adelaide’s Annika Faber (pictured top right with Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin) crossed the line in first place, with Nicola McDonald clocking the fastest time.

Local riders were well represented, with strong performances across both junior and senior categories.

Among them were Molly Opperman and Miles Kroon in the Under 15s, Xavier Farmilo, Amelia Milne and Matilda Clark in the Under 17s, and senior competitors Amali Judd, Dave Bryant, and Dan Whitehead showing their strength in the challenging conditions.

Special recognition goes to Sarah Dally and Tegan Kuhl who finished 3rd and 7th respectively in the Women’s race.

A highlight of the weekend was the successful addition of the Junior Tour to the 100 Mile Classic format.

Raced on a new course beginning at Moorak Primary School, the juniors competed in a multi-stage event featuring a 9.8km time trial and road races of 19.6km (Under 13), 29.4km (Under 15) and 39.2km (Under 17).

The tour received high praise for its organisation and the spirit of competition displayed by the next generation of cyclists.

Molly Opperman took second place in the U15W tour, scoring two seconds and a third over the weekend.

The Mount Gambier Cycling Club extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, volunteers, and SAPOL for their ongoing support and assistance in making the event a safe and successful celebration of cycling.

With its rich history and growing format, the 100 Mile Classic continues to cement itself as a key fixture on the South Australian cycling calendar.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARRY KUHL