The Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor Opening Road Race attracted fifty-nine keen cyclists and the mass start saw the field quickly stretched out along the not yet opened road. Main Roads and Abi-Group had done a brilliant job of ensuring the road was swept and the turn around points clearly marked and at 8.00am the race was on. This one off opportunity to ride on a brand new road wasn't one to be missed!
The pace was on from the outset with many groups of like speed riders settling in to work together for the 24km event. The lead group of Paul Hearne, Damon Angelatos, Richard Correy, Gavin Keyser and Peter Johnson set a cracking pace and never looked like being caught. Hearne and Angelatos upped the ante into the second lap putting some space between themselves and Correy and Keyser, with Johnson slipping off the back.
Riders in groups behind took turns to help keep their speed high with many sprint finishes seen. Mark Greene and Deb Greene rode well together, combining strength to their advantage. Michael O'Farrell took time off his mountain bike to join the road race, riding very well in his first race. However it was the return of Andrew Toovey to road racing that is perhaps most amazing. Former Geraldton Guardian front cover favourite, Toovey shone (literally) on his well polished retro bike with matching clothing. It was great to see Toove's, and many previous Club members who were thought lost, back out on their bikes and enjoying the race.
Sonia Davies rode very well for someone who has only recently taken up road cycling, completing turns with Deb Carlyon before assisting Shane Turner across the finish line.
Junior cyclist Matthew Carroll rode a fixed wheel bike and brought along dad Dean, to show him how it was done. Matthew rode two very strong laps and impressed all with his fitness and skill. A number of female riders combined to ride together which resulted in close finishing between Anna Kosch, Terri Quinlan and Paula Purcher.
Road specific bikes were joined by a hybrid bike and a hand bike, ridden by Tom Thuijs and Chris Kerr respectively. Both rode very well finishing in good times.
Club stalwart Vicky Sheilds encouraged those cyclists who were struggling into the wind and ensured that all finished within the allotted time frames.
Club stalwart Vicky Sheilds encouraged those cyclists who were struggling into the wind and ensured that all finished within the allotted time frames.
Spokes would like to sincerely thank Hosemasters Geraldton, Geraldton Family Gym at the Greene Room, Paint'n'Quip, The Bicycle Entrepreneur and Bayer Crop Science for their generous donations of prizes.
Top three placings were as follows:
Men
1st Paul Hearne (fastest time) 2nd Damon Angelatos 3rd Gavin Keyser
Women
Women
1st Deb Greene (fastest time) 2nd Anna Kosch 3rd Terri Quinlan
A full list of results is available below. See you all next week for the Farewell to 2009 ride - 9.00am start from Arthur Road, Deepdale.
The Picasa Photostream to the right has been updated with photo's from today's event, enjoy........
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Bec, Darryl and Anita for the work you put into making Sunday’s event such a huge success. Every person I spoke to really enjoyed it. I know you all personally put a lot of work into it. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteAwesome event
ReplyDeleteGreat to have to many cyclist involved.
Thanks Barb as always enjoyed racing with you
Paula Purcher
Hey Darryl, Bec & Committee
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great, well organised event on Sunday. Everyone is still talking about it. Fantastic photos too. I have forwarded the email onto Chriso Kerr, they really enjoyed taking part.
Thanks again, see you next Sunday.
Dear Spokes,
ReplyDeleteThank you very such the Sunday morning race which took place on the new bypass road.
It was a great pleasure to get back to racing once again.
Look forward to many more.
Cheers