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Port Fairy Cycling Club
Hamilton to Port Fairy Classic, June 27, 2004
Maher sails to victory
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Here is a question for those who are not mathematically challenged. If a group of cyclists start out on a 80 kilometre journey and travel at an average of 42 kilometres per hour, how fast does another group of cyclists have to travel if they were to start 18 minutes later, travelling the same 80 kilometres?
That was the task set by the handicapper in Sunday's Port Fairy Cycling Club Hamilton to Port Fairy Classic. It should be noted, that cyclists had the aid of a solid North Westerly breeze (OK Gail) that is strangely traditional for this particular race. For some unknown reason, almost every running of this event has been on days when the wind has been out of the same quarter. This fact was made even more puzzling when the prevailing wind on the Saturday was a strong Southerly. There is no doubt a Spanish term that weather forecasters have to explain this strange phenomenon.
As is usually the case before a race, cyclists and spectators make predictions on likely winners. Pre-race favourites were Tony Hose (13 Minutes), Ron Hollingsworth and Neil Duncan (17 Minutes) and any one of the four riders in the 22-minute bunch. Jennifer Bennbow (27 minutes) and Darryl Rae (36 Minutes) were not given much of a chance as the distance of 80 kilometres was considered too far to be able to ride solo.
The scratch bunch was dealt a devastating blow when Sun Tour rider, George Vallins was not able to take to the start line due to illness. It seemed peculiar that changes were made to handicaps further up the field, prior to the start, yet no adjustment was made for the loss of Vallins.
The fact that this race is a point to point race meant that competitors were not able to gauge how they were travelling in comparison with other groups. Apart from the occasional time gap called out by spectators, riders had to keep their heads down and hope that they were making ground on the bunches in front of them. In fact, it took 50 kilometres of hard riding before any of the groups merged. First to join was the five-minute group of Adam Forster, Darren Harris and Robert Mann and the eight-minute group of Malcolm Tirabassi, Chris Carr and Nick Lee.
Soon after, further down the rode, the 22-minute group of Peta Maher, Kate Winnen, Dean McLaren and Peter Noonan caught the front markers and became the race leaders.
The 17-minute bunch of Duncan, Chris West and Hollingsworth had made good progress but still had some work to do to reel in the leaders. As the front runners came into the final ten kilometres, it appeared that they would have to drive all the way to the line to stave off the fast approaching Hollingsworth lead bunch.
With five kilometres to go, Peta Maher raised the tempo and only Dean McLaren was able to match her speed. Maher had decided that it was now or never, as the group behind was closing in. The two leaders worked well together and drove toward the finishing line desperate to secure the top two spots on the podium.
As she had been all race Peta was too strong for McLaren in the final sprint to the line but both were able to hold off the rest of the field for a well deserved result. Peter Noonan (Third) and Kate Winnen (Fourth) also snuck in before the group containing Duncan and Hollingsworth crossed the line.
The race for the fastest time prize was played out several minutes later. Team Uno members; Andy Graham, Damian and Adam Forster were preparing to ensure a victory for the 'Orange men' but Heath Riley had other ideas. After an initial attack from Brian McNamara, Graham counter attacked. This signalled the end of co-operation within the group and the last four kilometres became a game of cat and mouse.
Whilst this had been going on, Riley had been patiently waiting for the ideal moment. This window opened with about 500 metres to go. Graham had just chased David Tozer down and the momentary lull was all that Heath required to launch an all out effort that allowed him to hold on for a very close win.
The overall victory to Maher will see her move toward the top of the South West Series table as current leaders; Darren Harris and Jason Kennett failed to finish in the points.
Next race in the series is the Max Mckenzie Memorial this Sunday 4th July, at Penola. Start time is 11a.m. With five races to go in the series the leader-board is starting to get crowded at the top.
Club racing will also be on Saturday 3rd July. 2pm start at the Port Fairy Showgrounds.
Results
1 P. Maher (22 mins) 2 D. Mclaren (22 mins) 3 P. Noonan (22 mins) 4 K. Winnen (22 mins)
