Local club racing returned to the Attamurra Road course for a 25km out and back handicap race to fulfill the 10th round of the Mount Gambier Cycling Club Kidman Law Co Spring Summer Series.
Only one racer prepared for the U11/13 race which was cancelled and as a result the seniors race was brought forward 15 minutes, starting at 9.15am.
At the time the wind seemed to be coming from the north east, and the racers looked forward to some tailwind on the homeward journey, but alas the wind changed and it seemed to be a headwind no matter which direction riders travelled.
The first group of riders to leave for this race contained Jason and Jen Buckland, Damian Buckley and Dave Delaland returning after a short break.
Nick Kidman was given the role of the back marker, tasked with catching and passing all ahead of him.
The pace from the start was frenetic, with each group working hard to stay ahead of those behind them.
Out in front Delaland, Buckley and Jen Buckland’s pace was too hot for Jason Buckland, who was dropped from his group before 7km had passed.
After battling a cold for most of the previous week, Harry Opperman was not able to continue his race and elected to return early.
By the halfway turn the group of three were still out in front, with Jason Buckland between them and the next group of John Cranwell, Bruce McLaughlin, Phil Stasiwl, Elmer Buckland and Mike Bakker who had joined forces.
The rest of the groups were still working hard, with Kidman unable to make much of a difference to his 45 second gap to his next bunch.
As the riders turned for home, Delaland made his solo breakaway, leaving his erstwhile companions in his pursuit of possible glory.
Early riders were now finding the racing much harder on the return leg and groups were being gobbled up by the riders behind.
With 7km left to race, Jen Buckland and Damian Buckley were caught by the group behind, who then set about trying to reign in Delaland further ahead, which would occur with 3km to race.
In the sprint for the line, it was McLaughlin who timed his run best, leading home Delaland and Phil Stasiw, with John Cranwell, Bakker and Elmer Buckland following them home.
Just 10 seconds later Matthew Opperman crossed the finish line ahead of Malcolm Tirabassi, Riley Hill, Craig Andrae and Langsmith, just not quite able to catch the previous group for the win.
Kidman arrived at the finish line a further 44 seconds later, taking the fastest time honours by just one second.
He was followed by Jami Buckley, Jen Buckland, Peake, Damian Buckley and finally Jason Buckland.
Next Sunday’s race will return to the familiar Caves Rd course for a slightly longer 30km race in preparation for the 35km Kidman Cup race in Coonawarra the following Saturday.
