As we mentioned in the email notice of the start order, roadworks in Oakover Rd necessitated a deviation from Lefroy via Lennard St and Gugeri Rd back to Oakover; no change of total distance. Many riders made sure they knew the changed layout by riding a warm-up lap but we did lose one rider off-course - it was pretty obvious something had gone wrong when he was seen TTing NORTH up Lefroy through the finish line! Unfortunately the traffic controller supplied by the Works department of the City of Swan as compensation for the last minute notice of the roadworks proved useless despite detailed instructions and a couple of our committee took over after their rides.

The move back to the flatlands proved to be just what Matt Illingworth had been waiting for and he demonstrated a flawless expression of the TTers craft as he powered through the 40km saving his fastest laps for the end. Travis, starting at the end of the field, had led Matt until past the halfway mark but was fading. Most riders would have been quite happy to have faded like that and both riders were well under the old course record; Travis had the minor compensation of the fastest 'First Lap' time. Third-placed Darcy Pirotta backing up from last week's course record ride in the Mark Webb was also under the old course record here and well below the Junior record, of course.

'Welcome back' Emma!
Not unexpectedly, she had no trouble leading the girls' rankings today even though a couple of minutes outside her own course record; she needed to save a bit in her legs for the Renae's Race criterium later in the morning - like several other of our women riders.

Richard Williams took the honours in the PB rankings today, second fastest of the Hand-cyclists to Nigel who also posted a PB - this one 6km/h faster than his ride last week on the hilly stuff.
It was good to see one other rider back on the course; considerably earlier than predicted: Craig Pennell. Still with some legacy of the accident that tried to take him out permanently, a top ten ranking is pretty impressive. He's only been back on the road a few weeks but had been doing a lot of work on the static bike; very effectively, it seems.

Troy also relished the move away from the hills for this week, moved up the rankings again and claimed another PB. But he was only allowed to do this after he'd dropped the signage off around the course. He handed back the starter's cap to Lorraine. Behind the desk today were Annie Bramley and Mary Cornelius. Katie Joyce had the task of marshalling riders to the start and later calling numbers while around the course on the numerous road junctions were: Dion Lazic, Paul Lavery, Ray Challen, Roger and James Hales and Jono Beck. It was quite a crew to put together - all done by Jeff as usual who then had the job of taking over that corner with the assistance of David Equid. And, having done that and on their way back to the school, they happened to be passing the bus stop and the timing hutch set-up, so made sure that too was packed away in record time. As always, thanks hugely; all of you.