Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic, Cat 1.5

Victoria, Australia, October 25, 1997

1996 Results

"The Warny" - Race Distance 265 kms

 1. Daniel Schnider (Swi)	     6.17.54
 2. Dennis Rasmussen (Den)
 3. Allan Iacuone (Aus) 		0.15
 4. Brent McCaig (Aus)			0.48
 5. Ralf Grabsch (Ger)			0.48
 6. David McKenzie (Aus)		1.15

Report

A photo finish was required to separate Daniel Schnider from Switzerland from Deniss Rasmussen from Denmark at the finish of the Melbourne to Warrnambool classic today. Warrnambool is some 265 kms south-west of Melbourne and is a coastal town. The judges had to consult the video finish and after a lengthy deliberation gave it to the Swiss rider by "half a tyre". Race promoter John Craven said: "That's the closest finish in the history of the race. It was an oustanding race."

Both riders came into the Classic from the Sun Tour which finished in Melbourne last Sunday. Schnider, finished 13th on GC in the Sun Tour and Rasmussen 20th. Today they worked together with 6 other riders in an early attacking move that had the peloton confused. At the end of the 265 kms, they were the only two left and sprinted for a fast time of 6.17.54.

The breakaway was to last for 220 kms. After 100 kms it had a gap on the peloton of over 7 minutes. Only the Swiss and the Dane survived the hot conditions typical of Victoria at this time of year.

While Schnider took the overall classification, Rasmussen took the sprints prize which was based on 16 sprint premes during the race.

Australian Allan Iacuone was third, Brent McCaig fourth, and Germany's Ralf Grabsch fifth.

The main peloton was brought in by Victorian rider, David McKenzie at 1.15.

While 200 started, notable scratchings were American Trent Klasna (2nd on GC in the Sun Tour) and Australia's GAN rider, Stuart O'Grady.