Aglorious, clear and calm day greeted the riders who participated in the ninth race of the Mount Gambier Cycling club’s Summer series, a 30km handicap race held on the familiar Caves Road course.
The first race was a 10km junior handicap, with five young riders racing in three groups, shadowed by chaperones.
First away was Glenn Tye, given a six minute head start over Molly Opperman, Sean Tye and Xavier Farmilo with a further 90 second gap to Ethan McKenny.
After being turned at the five kilometre mark the riders struck out for the finish line, continuing to work hard to catch those ahead of them.
As they crossed the finish line, Glenn Tye still enjoyed a 40 second gap over Molly Opperman, who had managed to ride away from Sean Tye and Xavier Farmilo followed by Ethan McKenny.
Following the completion of the junior handicap, 17 riders prepared for their 30 kilometre handicap.
First riders away were Jason Buckland, Dianne Major and Damian Buckley in their familiar role of setting the pace.
After a wait of nine minutes, a large group containing Dave Delaland, Dave Tye, Jen Buckland, Ethan McKenny, Don Sforcina and John Cranwell began their chase, followed a further three minutes later by Dean Zeven and Spek Peake.
The next group to leave, consisting of Colin Weatherill and Malcolm Tirabassi, waited another five minutes before their chance to chase, followed a further three minutes later by the final group containing Scott Waters, Jami Buckley, Dave Bryant and Craig Andrae.
The riders were working into a very slight headwind on their outward leg to the turnaround, but the speeds were generally kept high as the riders worked together to provide periods of power and rest within their groups.
Unfortunately the pace proved too high for Craig Andrae who was consigned to the lonely ride out the back after being dropped from the final group within the first 10km.
As the groups turned at the halfway mark and began their leg back toward the start/finish line, an opportunity was taken by the first groups to work out the chances of being able to hold on to the finish line before the faster groups chased them down.
The pace definitely increased as the riders enjoyed a slight tailwind back towards the finish line, but alas it was not to be a win for the first group, caught by Dave T, Dave D, Jen, John, Don and Ethan with four kilometres remaining.
That group was riding very strongly, with Di, Damian and Jason unable to tag along as they passed.
The pace of that group proved to be too strong for the other chasing riders, and in the sprint to the line it was Ethan McKenny who saluted the Commissaire first, followed by Dave Tye, Dave Delaland and John Cranwell.
A slight gap to Jen Buckland, followed by Don Sforcina, then Jason Buckland, Dianne Major and Damian Buckley.
In the battle of the fastest riders, Jami Buckley crossed the line ahead of Scott Waters, Dave Bryant, Colin Weatherill and Malcolm Tirabassi, followed shortly afterwards by Spek Peake and Dean Zeven.
Finally, after continuing to battle on to the end, Craig Andrae completed his race to the cheers of the supporters and racers who had remained to see all finishers.
The club is gearing up for the annual Soldiers Memorial Handicap, held on Anzac Day, as well as the 100 Mile Classic weekend, held on May 20 and 21.
