Australia Day dawned and thirty four keen cyclists lined up for the first individual road race of season 2010. The main group were quick off the line with many playing their cards close to their chest, choosing to remain within the pack rather than make an early move. The near perfect conditions allowed for the majority of the mens contingent to ride as a bunch until the final lap. New members Daniel Matthews and Scott Cox rode extremely well in their first Spokes Cycle Club race contesting the finish strongly. Spokes regulars Roger Swan, Tim Glenister, Jon Tam, Max Nowrojee, Mort Harslett and Mark Greene worked hard to ensure the pace remained fast for the full 20km's, testing the legs of many.
Damon Angelatos was in blistering form and just into the bell lap accelerated and opened up a small gap over the chasing bunch. The main group then had some catching up to do but Damon managed to stay ahead just enough to keep the pressure on.
Into the final straight the pace again lifted and it was Angelatos who took line honours just ahead of Hosking, with a brilliant ride by Paul Matthews and Duane Crabb resulting in them crossing in third and fourth spot respectively, all being credited with an average speed of over 37 km/hr.
The remainder of the main group were close behind finishing within seconds of each other.
Barb Glenister, Paula Purcher, Sonia Davies, Bec Swan and Lesleigh Stewart teamed up at the start and rode very well as a group, completing turns and ensuring that new member Lesleigh was looked after. The group picked up Chris Cooper on the second lap and then Andrew Toovey on the third lap, growing stronger with the extra riders. The pace increased into the finishing straight with a last dash at the line by Barb Glenister resulting in her being first female rider to finish.
President Darryl Sheilds rode with newcomer Patrick Bettridge and Vicky Sheilds, Gerald Westerik and Gabrielle Andrews ensuring that Bettridge and Westerik were well paced and provided with some valuable insight into the benefits of drafting. Darryl's group was joined by Richard Correy during the race, who arrived a little late, having got the start time confused.
Special mention must be made of Jessica Micono, who completed the circuit with dad Dom and reminded everyone of how much fun it is to be out on your bike.
Thanks go to Johny Barber and Julie Firth for timekeeping and marshalling at the finish line and to Reg Pomery for marshalling on the first corner and ensuring everyone was kept safe and informed of traffic.
Spokes Cycle Club's next event is the 15km Individual Time Trial which will be held on Sunday 7th Feb 2010, starting at 8.00am (take note of the time Richo!) We look forward to seeing you there.
The Picasa Photostream has also been updated with photo's taken at the event by Julie Firth.
