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Port Fairy Cycling Club
July 31, 2004
Edwards' Recovery is Complete
Darryl Edwards indicated in the most comprehensive way, that he has fully recovered from major shoulder surgery, by winning the Port Fairy Cycling Club Handicap race last Saturday. Edwards, who still feels a small amount of pain when riding over rough roads, disregarded any discomfort to power away from the pack in the final sprint to the line.
The race began under clear skies and very little wind, a pleasant change from the last couple of months of 'challenging' weather conditions. The limit markers could sense that the fair weather was ideal for an attempt at holding off the back-markers. Jill Edwards and Lou McLaren lead the 12-minute group in their search for Darryl Rae (Limit).
The search was called off shortly after the turn around point but unfortunately for the 12 minute group, the powerful group lead by Peter Mentha and Darryl Edwards had also been on a search mission, although it appeared that there brief was more of a search and destroy scenario.
Further back in the field, the group containing Neil Duncan and Chris West were not strong enough to avoid the oncoming group of Chris Burridge, Mark Winnen and Co. At the rear of the field, David Tozer was joined by Warrnambool's "Human Stair-Master" Chris McCartney. McCartney recently took first place in the elite category of the Rialto Stair Race. An indication of McCartney's versatility was his ability to switch from stair racing to cycle racing and mix it at the tail end of the field. As it happened, McCartney and Tozer might have been more successful if the racecourse had contained several flights of stairs, as they were not competitive on the open roads of the Port Fairy District.
As the race neared the finish, the leaders were comfortable in the knowledge that the back markers were not going to play a part in the podium race. This allowed the front-runners to partake in some racing tactics. First to fire a shot, was Keith McLeod. McLeod's attack at Bram Stone works, caused a reaction from Kate Winnen. As soon as McLeod was brought back into the fold Danny Boyd attempted to break clear from the pack. He too was unsuccessful. Darryl Edwards then put the third time lucky approach to work. Edwards' attack was more powerful and closer to the finish than the previous two and his timing and power payed dividends as he crossed the line in first place. Peter Mentha put in a great ride to follow close behind Edwards.
In a rarity in recent times riders were more than happy to congratulate the winner and discuss the finer details of the race, outside the clubrooms. The usual rush to escape the wind and rain was replaced by a reluctance to head in for coffee and presentations. It was mentioned, when presentations finally occurred that Darryl and Jill Edwards will have to purchase a new tea set to accompany their growing collection of winner's teaspoons!
Any one interested in joining in the racing and socialising that will re-commence this Saturday, should get to the Port Fairy Showgrounds before 2p.m. All riders' levels are catered for including first timers.
