Mixed riding and mixed fortune
Despite the lower than expected attendance, the contesting of the Bootenal 5-Stage Tour was exciting and challenging for the cyclists who took part. Paul Dodson took the opening time time trial ahead of Duane Crabbe and Paul Baldock (new owner of TBE), showing that his more mature status is no limit on ability. Dodson was able to carry this into Stage 2 with a great win following a mass start and the pack all jostling for a place at the end of the Georgina East return loop. Julie Firth easily won both stages in the women's division finishing with the lead group in Stage 2.
Stage 3 saw an end to the flatter parts of the course and Roger Swan dominated the first of the hill climbs to take both this Stage and maximum King of the Mountain points. Swan was followed by Paul Baldock and Duane Crabbe on Stage 3 with Julie Firth placing a credible 4th on the hill overall - this also saw her take line honours in the women's division once again, a pattern that would remain for the tour.
Stage 4 started with a 600 metre climb with Baldock, Firth, Crabbe, Muller and Swan all clearing the summit within seconds of each other. Baldock led the group over the climb, claiming maximum King of the Mountain points. Swan and Firth accelerated across the remaining undulations placing 1st and 2nd with Crabbe coming in 3rd ahead of Baldock in 4th.
Eddie Muller was the dark horse of the climbs, easily riding both of the hill stages and showing that this type of course suits his riding style. Paul Dodson was unable to retain his form into the hills and slid to the back of the pack, competing with Andrew Toovey and Jonathan Tam in a separate battle to that of the climbers.
The last Stage was a road race from Georgina Road back to the Bootenal Tavern and was an opportunity for the flat stage riders to emerge once again. Jonathan Tam proved he was now warmed up out sprinting Paul Dodson and Duanne Crabbe to take line honours. Julie Firth rode incredibly well to finish 4th across the line - easily winning the women's event.
The men's event was a more closely fought race with the time bonuses for Stage wins seeing Duane Crabbe and Roger Swan finishing equal first, albeit Crabbe was fastest on overall time. Paul Dodson took third overall.
Special thanks to Darryl Sheilds, Arlia Toovey and Bec Swan for officiating and putting out the signs.
A full list of results is available below and the Picasa Photostream to the right has been updated with pictured of today's event.
