Almost perfect riding conditions greeted the riders who were preparing to tackle the seventh race in the Mount Gambier Cycling Club’s Summer Series.
With the fog lifting in time for the start and barely a breath of wind, the only thing marring a perfect race in many eyes was the lumpy 10km in the middle of the race as the riders navigated their way through Dry Creek into Donovans and back along Border Road.
First riders away were Miles Kroon with Sandra Parsons, with Liam Fielding and Phil Stasiw starting a further 2 minutes behind. 5 minutes later, Tegan Kuhl, Chris Neave and Troy Mustey were given their opportunity to chase down those ahead, followed 3 minutes later by Craig Andrae, Malcolm Tirabassi and Dan Whitehead.
Finally, 2 minutes later, and 12 minutes after the earliest riders had departed, Ethan McKenny and Nick Kidman began their race.
Groups stayed together for the first flattish 10km, with Phil and Liam quickly eating into the gap between Sandra and Miles, catching them just as they swung down towards Dry Creek.
Miles joined with Phil through the lumpy bits and arrived at the turnaround point ahead of Liam, with Sandra just behind.
Further back, Tegan was not able to climb as quickly as Troy and Chris, losing touch with her group on the way towards Donovans, with the back groups closing behind quickly.
Phil and Miles were continuing to ride strongly on the return leg, and maintained a large gap to the riders behind.
By the time the finish line came into sight, it was Miles Kroon with the stronger legs, and he rode away from Phil Stasiw to register another win in this series.
Liam Fielding just managed to stay ahead of the chasing pack, taking 3rd place, half a minute ahead of Nick Kidman and Ethan McKenny, with Nick taking fastest time honours.
Dan Whitehead was next to finish, ahead of Craig Andrae and Malcolm Tirabassi, then came Sandra Parsons, Chris Neave, Troy Mustey and Tegan Kuhl.
Each rider was cheered across the finish line by a large contingent of supporters.
Next weekend’s race will be held on a new course based around the Moorak Primary School, completing 4 laps of a 9.5km loop.
Supporters and helpers welcome.
