Race Report - 06 Feb 2024

There was a modest turnout of 25 riders who fronted up for this years road race championship race. Held on the Millers road circuit and on possibly the hottest day of the year so far. The mercury was hovering around 35 degrees C when riders were briefed on the 27km circuit and then hit the start line adjacent Gladstone church

The group went left up Gladstone road and shortly thereafter the first move went off the front. Tom McCallum had 100 metres on the main bunch when Aris Scott (Couplands Bakery Team) bridged across to him. The two increased their lead along Carters Line and up past Parkvale

Back in the main group it was cat and mouse up Gladstone road until turning onto Carters Line  when the pace went up and riders were strung out in the crosswind. At this point a number of riders went out the back unable to hold position and speed

The large group continued to stay together as it turned down Millers road maintaining a ferocious pace that saw more riders out the back door

By the end of lap one a good number of riders pulled the pin, deciding one lap was quite sufficient for the evening

Up front Aris continued a solo lead with Tom being reabsorbed by the lead group. Approaching the summit of Millers for the second time the young rider Leroux Van der Leek went off the front and with no one able to catch him claimed second place behind Aris. Third place going to Derek de Zwart

Well done to the winners and well done to all the riders who turned out to race on such a hot day. Also, many thanks to Di Dowding for again performing BBQ duties and to the marshals and truck driver for keeping the racing safe.