Aglorious morning was the background for the 14 riders who prepared themselves for the latest race in the Mount Gambier Cycling Club’s Spring Series.
Leaving from the corner of Caves and Mount Sinai Roads, the race started flat, but incorporated some lumps on the way to Donovans before returning back to the start/finish point.
A slight tailwind at the start turned to a headwind for the final 5km straight run in to the finish line, making this one of the hardest local races offered.
Amelia Milne, with coach Rob Mann, was the first group to leave, followed six minutes later by Martin Farmilo and Chris Neave in his first race for the season after volunteering for the other two races.
A gap of nine minutes ensued before John Cranwell, Sandra Parsons and Troy Mustey began their race, and a further two minutes later John De Pree, Phil Stasiw, Spek Peake and Tegan Kuhl joined the fray.
The final group to leave, six minutes later and 22 minutes after the first riders had begun, consisted of Xavier Farmilo, Ethan McKenny and Craig Andrae.
Most groups enjoyed the first part of the race, as they rode towards the border, enjoying a tailwind, but gaps started to come between each rider as they entered the lumpy section through Dry Creek.
By the turnaround point most groups had completely splintered, with each rider trying to find their own rhythm for the 15km return leg.
The only groups that remained together were Amelia and Rob out in front and Craig, Ethan and Xavier at the back.
By the time the racers got back to Dry Creek, Chris had passed Rob and Amelia and was well out in front, and Spek had been caught by the chasing trio.
Heading into the final 2.5km the road was flat and straight, so the chasing riders were able to gauge how far behind they were, and whether they could catch the next group, or hold off the group behind them.
By the finish line, Chris continued his strong race, finishing well ahead of Troy Mustey, who was followed in by John Cranwell and Sandra Parsons.
John De Pree and Phil Stasiw were next to arrive, just holding off Ethan McKenny who outsprinted Craig Andrae and Xavier Farmilo for fastest time honours, followed by Tegan Kuhl, Amelia Milne, Rob Mann, Martin Farmilo and Spek Peake.
The next race is expected to be held among the windfarms of Tantanoola this weekend.
