Cyclists switch gear for handicap race

Cyclists switch gear for handicap race

After having to cancel last week’s race due to hail just before the start, an early forecast of 20-30mm of rain this weekend led the Mount Gambier Cycling Club to postpone the Kidman Cup race in Coonawarra in favour of a 20km handicap event at Caves Road on Sunday.

While the original forecast changed, preparations had already been put in place for the changed race formats and 16 racers lined up at the start line just past Yahl Road.

First of all the Junior riders were given their time to shine and Eddie Buckland was given a 2:30 minute head start over Molly Opperman for their 10km race.

A southerly wind meant the opening leg began with a headwind, with the return journey a more enjoyable tailwind.

Opperman worked steadily into the wind to draw closer to Buckland, but the effort was telling when he received the tailwind.

It helped Buckland finish 47 seconds in front of Opperman at the finish line.

Following a short break while Jason Buckland recovered from shadowing his son during his race, the 16 riders set up for the main event.

Jason Buckland was the first to leave, a solo time trial on offer providing something for the rest of the racers to chase.

Following him five minutes later were Jen Buckland and Dave Delaland and then a group consisting of Elmer Buckland, Mike Bakker and Harry Opperman.

A further two minutes behind this group, were Phil Stasiw, Bruce McLaughlin and John Cranwell, while the remaining groups left in one-minute increments with Nick Kidman racing from the back, 13 minutes after Jason Buckland had started his race.

In glorious sunshine the riders enjoyed their racing, albeit with a tough headwind keeping the groups honest on the way out to the turnaround point.

In the first leg most groups kept together, slowly catching those ahead of them. The group of Harry Opperman, Elmer Buckland and Bakker split early, as each rider found their personal rhythm, with the four groups behind well within striking distance of each other.

Speeds were much higher on the return leg as the riders enjoyed a tailwind from the southerly.

The back groups came together and then split again as each rider tried to go with the faster groups as they swung by.

Out in front, Jason Buckland was still trying to stay away but as he turned onto the finishing 4km straight, a group containing Kidman, Matthew Opperman and Riley Hill sped past.

The final sprint would then come down to these three riders, with Kidman taking out the race and fastest time honours, closely followed by Matthew Opperman and Hill.

Jami Buckley won the next bunch sprint, with Malcolm Tirabassi, Craig Andrae, Patrick Langsmith and Harry Opperman following close behind.

Phil Stasiw and John Cranwell rounded out the top 10, followed by Dave Delaland, Bruce McLaughlin, Jen Buckland, Jason Buckland, Elmer Buckland and Mike Bakker.

The postponed Kidman Cup will be held this Saturday afternoon at Maaoupe Road, for a 30km Handicapped race where the club is hopeful of welcoming back some Victorian friends.

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