Local cycling returns with small but competitive field for handicap

Overcast skies and the threat of a thunderstorm did not deter the riders on the 20km out and back course from the cemetery. A steady climb from the cemetery to the turnaround point just past Dennys Lane and a fast run back to the finish line.

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It was great to see Ian Wardale up and about helping Jeremy Gilchrist in the lead car.

Pete Thorne, Gavin and Nadine Moroney started on limit to get racing underway followed two and a half later by Wayne Bensley, Neils Laugesen and Chris Berry

Chasing of scratch was young James Quade who needed to make up over three minutes on the field.

The second group split up early with Neils Laugesen making a breakaway to chase down the front runners. James Quade made easy work of catching Wayne Bensley and Chris Berry within the first 5km. James pressed ahead to bridge the gap to Neils.

By the turn around Nadine and Gavin Moroney had opened up a handy lead. James was closing the gap to Neils and managed to round him up a few kilometres into the return leg.

Gavin and Nadine worked together well to maintain their lead over the chasers with Gavin finishing just ahead of Nadine in a very tight finish - so tight they were awarded the same time.

James Quade chased hard but just couldn't haul in the leaders but was rewarded with third place and the fastest time.

Many thanks to the volunteers - Phil Bush, Phil Champion, Phil Hansen, Jeremy Gilchrist, Ian Wardale and Mark Stutchbury.

Next Wednesday, January 12, racing is back to Wakefield Park for criterium racing. Sign on by 5.45pm with racing at 6pm. New riders welcome.

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