The conditions were a bit warm and tad sticky but possibly not as tough as some made out - there were obviously plenty of PBs through the field and chunks missing from the various course records when it was all over. Brad let slip before he started that he was record hunting so couldn't have been unhappy with his result; neither could Mark Roberts who held the record for 40min29.4sec today; nor could Phil Deisel who didn't hold the record because he started after Mark but did also better the old mark. And then there was Lorraine who thought she did well enough but was quite unaware of the record until we gently let the secret slip. Many were riding the course for the first time in easily the biggest field we've had for this event even when it's had an 80km option! It was Pimmie's first race since his return even though he's had plenty of time to observe but it was obvious the appetite was being whetted so we quickly found a job or two for him once he'd finished in case the feeling became too deeply entrenched.


Then there was Kenji who established a new Junior record for the course with his second PB in a week and looks set to break the 40km/h mark in the very near future - not bad at 15? Today he tore 8min from his previous time…

Of course Nigel and Pete each set Hand-cycle records and Michael Guerin a Standards mark to be reckoned with (although wearing his transponder in his pocket damn near ensured he didn't get any sort of a time! We suggested other places he might try it not all of which would be detected any better than the one he'd tried; not kind are we?) Brad Woodbrook established a mark for recumbents and felt good enough to do a quick lap-of-honour before returning to ferry a few results back to the board.

Susie was in her familiar role as clerk-of-course yet again - everywhere; doing everything. But we will see her back on her bike before the end of this season. Lorraine as usual had plenty to do before and after her record ride; Nicky was there to start you all (with the Ps there to observe from their new beaut big black ute); the corners were manned by Chris Gaskell (and Chloe), Ken Dupuy, Phil Parr, Phil Gyford and Mike Buytels; Helen Watkins was cornered for a bit of marshalling near the finish line after her ride (not unwillingly); Mike Round and James Hales were also among those who just lent a hand once their rides were over (good rides too: both PBs) Thanks everyone of you.

mouse