Jandanol Joy……..nothing joyous here….
Sunday 14th August 2011 dawned and both the Event Managers and cyclists were pleased, and surprised, to see the raining skies clear to beautiful sunshine and a mild breeze thus allowing the Jandanol 39km Individual Road Race to commence.
Inspection of the course brought some concerns as the beautifully swept corners had been weather affected and were now puddled and muddy 'features'. Spokes marshal - Peter Johnson - was undeterred and with determination got the main corner swept and a beautiful riding line was found.
Fourteen riders lined up to the start and were split into A, B and C grade categories with handicaps assigned. C Grade saw Junior cyclist Jonty Calder ride with Spokes for his first event and he soon showed his riding abilities by leading out the more experienced riders of John Andrews and Patrick Bettridge. Calder's fast cadence and required spinning style saw him averaging 10 minute laps for almost the full 39km. John Andrews has only recently returned to riding after time off the bike to kite surf and his experience assisted Calder in maintaining speed.
The large B Grade contingent of Reg Salmon, Julie Firth, Johny Barber, Gerald Laurent, Eddie Muller, Dave Rakuscek, Lisa Greeve and Mike Reymond left at 8 minutes and quickly settled into 'peloton' style with Johny Barber completing a mountain of work on the front. This pace saw Greeve and Reymond lose touch on the first lap when the uphill took all by surprise. Laurent was the next to go dropping from the back of the group during the second lap and spending the rest of the race on his own.
A Grade riders Paul Hearne, Simon Mulligan and Paul Matthews departed at 15 minutes with Mulligan looking very strong from the start. This group was expected to ride at around 8 minute laps and they didn't disappoint. Hearne and Mulligan proved too fast for Matthews and he was unable to maintain contact after the second lap.
With all riders on the course, placings changed regularly however the core groups within each grade continued to pass the starter at a maintained average speed. Julie Firth rode exceptionally well to remain with the B Grade group until halfway through the distance when an injection of speed by Johny Barber on the climb saw her struggle to remain in the slip stream.
Patrick Bettridge retired with just one lap to go and given this was his first ride back after a holiday and illness, he did very well and the starter was happy for the company!!
As the bell went for the final lap the race picked up intensity as all riders were heading for the finish and all eyes looked to see if Hearne and Mulligan would catch the remaining B Grade group of Barber, Salmon, Rakuscek and Muller to take line honours.
Reg Salmon rode the last climb very well and was able to take line honours ahead of Dave Rakuscek, Johny Barber and Eddie Muller. Hot on their SPD heels was Paul Hearne who had dispensed with Simon Mulligan on the last lap. Mulligan crossed shortly after and had given the ride everything - he has really improved this season and it is great to see his training coming to fruition.
Corrected times show Paul Hearne as A Grade winner and fastest time. Reg Salmon won B Grade and Jonty Calder won the C Grade event and crossed the line with John Andrews.
Many thanks to Johno and Lisa Greeve for assisting with event management and also to Johno for his delicious morning tea.
A full list of results is below.
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