With Junior Track riders taking on the State Omnium and Keirin Championships at the Adelaide Superdrome this weekend, nine Mount Gambier Cycling Club riders signed up for the second road race of the 2025 Summer Series.


The race was held on the flat, but usually windy, Attamurra Road course and the weather did not disappoint, with strong south easterly winds providing another difficulty over and above the handicaps.


The handicappers decided to make three groups of riders, with the first group consisting of John Cranwell, Chris Neave and Troy Mustey.


They were followed three minutes later by Phil Stasiw, Tegan Kuhl, Rob Mann and John de Pree.


A further three minutes elapsed before Dave Bryant and Nick Kidman began their attempt to catch all riders ahead.


Speeds were generally high on the outward leg of the out-and-back course as riders took advantage of the cross-tailwind, though Rob and John de Pree were too strong for Tegan and Phil, who lost touch with their group early.


Caught by Nick and Dave before the turn-around mark, Tegan and Phil continued to race well. At the halfway mark, John C, Chris and Troy were still working together but had lost almost two minutes to the chasing riders, with Dave and Nick quickly making up the original handicap.


As Dave and Nick caught up to Rob and John de Pree, they became a formidable group of four, and quickly caught up to and passed all other riders with 7km still to race.


Just before being caught, Chris and John C had put a small margin over Troy, who was unable to catch back on while the wind was against him.


Leading into the finish line, Nick Kidman proved the strongest and fastest rider, winning by three seconds ahead of Dave Bryant, with John de Pree taking the final spot on the podium ahead of Rob Mann.


Chris Neave was next to be seen by the supporters at the finish line, followed by John Cranwell and Troy Mustey, with Phil Stasiw narrowly beating Tegan Kuhl to the line in their sprint finish.


Next Sunday’s race will be held on the loops of the Kongorong course, which is a good course for spectators, since the riders will come past four times.


If you would like to check out the local racing scene, meet at Kongorong Primary School before 9am when the race begins.