A strong field of 23 riders faced the starting line on a windy morning of 13th March.
Two groups, A and B, were created by the handicappers with the B group enjoying a 15 minute lead on the stronger A group.
As the B group set off Paul O’Mara took an early lead followed closely by Jennie Haste, Donna Meneguzzo, Reggie Richardson and Kylie Crabbe. Duane Crabbe supported his son, Mitchell, who is becoming stronger by the week. Darryl Sheilds provided ongoing coaching to a new rider, Shannon Mitchell ensuring she chose best gears for each section of the ride. This group spread out over the undulating Morrell Road with Barb Glenister finally catching the lead group of Haste and co. This group stayed together until the hills claimed Crabbe, O’Mara, Glenister and Richardson. Meneguzzo and Haste increased their lead and rode strongly over the course.
The A group set off in hot pursuit of the B Grade riders. A very swift group of Paul Dodson, Paul Hearne, Peter Johnson, Paul Matthews, Andre Eastough (who is back on his bike again) and Jamie Rowe rode in formation with Dodson and Matthews creating a fast chase. Jonathan Tamm, Jarrod Bell, Julie Firth and Reg Salmon were on their heals with Tamm and Dodson joining force towards the end of the race when Dodson was dropped by the leaders. The climb up the cutting saw place changes in both Grades with the fast downhill an opportunity for some who had struggled to once again gain momentum.
Andrew Toovey supported new rider Megan Dunphy and kept her focused and riding strongly around the course. Cameron Dawson missed the start with his foot refusing to grip into his clips. He stayed at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race and braved the course on his own, finishing well.
The finish was exciting with Meneguzzo taking the lead from Haste at the very end. The chaser’s group of Rowe, Hearne, Matthews, Johnson and Eastough were very close behind. A thrilling sprint saw Jamie Rowe pip Paul Matthews at the finish line taking the prize of the Fastest time. O’Mara found a second wind and came in strongly with Richardson close behind gradually bridging the gap for the final 10kms.
Sheilds, Crabbe and Mitchell picked up a tired Glenister and powered across the finish line with Mitchell putting in a tremendous sprint gaining the lead from Crabbe and Glenister in the final seconds.
All other riders dug in deep to do their best over the challenging course.
$50 vouchers were provided to:
Jamie Rowe – Fastest Time
Donna Meneguzzo – first across the line
Reggie Richardson - most courageous
Duane and Mitchell Crabbe – great teamwork from Dad.
