Cycling News Archive

PORT STEPHENS MAY CYCLING TOUR  RESULTS – INDIVIDUAL TIMETRIAL 16KM – MARSH RD

TEAM TIMETRIAL – Due to an unfortunate accident, the race was called off. No times were recorded.

2005 CYCLING TOUR RESULTS - PORT STEPHENS
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2005 CYCLING TOUR REPORT
-By Brad Pamp

PORT STEPHENS

For the second year running, the 34 strong peloton were greeted by gorgeous blue skies and a pleasant 21 degrees. With a number of new events in this year’s format, all was in readiness for yet another successful weekend.

As always the tour started with a non –sanctioned pre-log ride on the Friday afternoon. The small but distinguished group was treated to a casual ride around the stunning Port Stephens peninsula – even spotting a pack of dolphins at Soldiers Point.

7.00 Saturday morning and all cyclists were cleated and ready to go – oh except Phil “The Dugong” Recheilt, who was questioning the need to pump up his flat tyres, servicing his broken brake lever, picking glass out of his bald tyres, or attempting to locate his long lost helmet. Sadly the Dugong missed the touring party 7.00am group photo for the second year in a row.

Our first destination was a 45km trip to the sleepy but glorious Lemon Tree bay. Although the course was relatively easy – in terms of terrain, the odd pot-hole had the potential to test even the most seasoned cyclist.

Our return trip had the pack break up into relative strengths. Although the front pack of big guns threatened to put the foot down, in the back of their minds was the new tour addition - King of the Mountain time trial.

Lily Tree Rd to the Gan Gan look out was to stage our first time trial of the weekend. 900m of lung busting, thigh screaming pain.

Off they went on 1 minute intervals. With Pamp starting riders, Rick Glover was positioned at the nose- bleeding top, accurately collating finishing times. Borbie Webster captured every cyclist on the most difficult section of the course – check out the pain! I am very pleased to report that all riders made it up without incident. After a whole heap of huffing and puffing all had the opportunity to witness one of the more scenic views on the north coast. Our poker-dot jersey winner for 2005 was Paul Webster. A new club member who comes from a rowing background.

Sunday morning arrived, again to sublime winter weather, and again without the Dugong. I think after the King of the Mountain event some riders may have fancied themselves against incumbent champion – Mark Preston in the 16km individual timetrial. All 32 riders left on the dead flat course on 1 minute intervals. I thought it was just fantastic to see such enthusiastic support from all riders.

With all riders completing the course it was the champ again by a whisker. Presto recorded a time of 25.24, only 3 pain-staking seconds in front of a flying Peter Hedge. The biggest cheer came for Michael O’Dea’s 30 second PB from last year. Also of note was the awesome performance from Di Clementson – our history breaking first female competitor. Di stormed home in 12 th position overall.

Possibly our most loved event is always the 4-rider pursuit – again over 16km. Riders were grouped according to their individual time - the top 4 riders and so on. This meant the team that recorded the lowest time under their handicap- was judged the winner. The team that could guard their weakest rider the best would most probably win.

Our 2005 winning pursuit team was Paul Hunter, Josh Granger, David Kutena and Phil Mathewson. Congratulations to all riders – riding under their handicap by 1.58 (a new Tattersall record) – well done boys.

With energy tanks running on close to empty, we had one final event on the program –The Kilo TT 1km dash. . With all riders giving it everything, time keeper - Rick Glover, revealed a sensation. Peter Hedge, Matt North and Paul Webster all recorded a time of 1.20. Big Paul Hunter looked like a sure champion with 200m to go, until a mighty blow up that saw him stagger over the line just 1 second off the pace.

All three riders travelled back to the start line and psyched themselves for a ride off. The gun sounded and off the went with the cagey Hedge placed nicely on the bullocking Webster’s wheel. North also positioned himself well after a slow start. At the half way mark Webster couldn’t burn them off and pulled off the lead. Hedge reluctantly took over and smartly pulled off the gas. With 300 to ride North put his head down and went for home –as it turned out, far to early. Hedge covered the move who went for home 150 out. With Webster doing his best to get on his outside, it was Hedge by a half bike to Webster and North. Great racing.

All riders are to be congratulated for their efforts. Once again an enjoyable weekend was experienced by all.

The 2005 Peloton