Mount Gambier Cycling Club racers returned to the familiar Caves Road course for last weekend’s shorter 20km race which was the seventh round of the Kidman Law Co Spring Summer Series.
A slight northerly breeze would have the riders enjoying a tailwind towards the border, but moving against a headwind for the return journey.
The Under 11 and 13 riders were the first to race, with Eddie Buckland setting off for his 10km journey with a head start of two minutes and 30 seconds over Molly Opperman.
Wearing a new jersey with a subtle dig at his father trying to keep up, Buckland rode the first 5km to the turnaround maintaining his lead.
As the race entered the final stretch Opperman caught and passed Buckland before powering away over the hill and crossing the line with a race time of 20:52, 25 seconds ahead of Eddie.
Following the Junior race, the other 21 riders embarked on the senior race and first away was Jason Buckland with Damian Buckley, expected by the handicappers to race at approximately 28kph for the 20km race.
The next group to leave, penalised after their quinella the previous week, were Jen Buckland and Elmer Buckland, waiting three minutes before they could begin the chase.
A total of 13 minutes from the start had elapsed before Ash Herrewyn, Matthew Opperman and Dave Bryant began their chase, anticipating being to average at least 40kph to swamp everyone at the finish line.
All riders took advantage of the slight tailwind along Caves Road, maintaining high average speeds until the turnaround, knowing the headwind on the return leg would slow them down.
It was at the turnaround where some of the earlier efforts began to take their toll and some riders found it harder to hold onto their groups.
Out in front Damian Buckley was powering along, seemingly unfazed by the extra work required to maintain his pace.
With 4km to race he made his move, increasing the pace until Jason Buckand could no longer hold his wheel.
He was able to maintain his lead over Jason Buckland to the line, finishing in a time of 39:45.
Harry Opperman won the sprint for the final position on the podium, edging out Craig Andre and a fast finishing Malcolm Tirabassi.
They were followed by Bruce McLaughlin, Colin Weatherill, Elmer Buckland and Paul Brooker.
Dave Bryant won the sprint for the line to receive fastest time honours (29:26, just above their expected average speed), ahead of Matthew Opperman, Niel van Niekirk, Jami Buckley, Ash Herrewyn, Spek Peake, Rob Mann, Jen Buckland, Sarah Dally, John Cranwell, Mike Bakker and Pat Langsmith.
Next weekend the club’s road race will be held out at Kalangadoo, remembering Rob Hodgson with a 30km race along a flat circuit.
With the weather on the improve, and extra daylight into the evening, the club is also preparing to hold track racing at the Blue Lake velodrome on Friday evenings where the members of the public are welcome to attend and watch some of the promising riders.
