MOUNT Gambier Cycling Club youngster Tess Wight held on for a tough win in the club’s self handicap race on Sunday to end the Brian Saffin Memorial race calendar.
With riders slotted into three groups over a 30km course, which headed towards the Princess Margaret Rose Caves, Justin Beecher, sisters Amy and Tess Wight, Ray Bilney and Don Storcina were the first to leave.
Four minutes later Dean Zevan, Stephen Mutch, Jack Opperman, Bruce McLaughlin and Spek Peake left with a six-minute start from scratch bunch Jack Patzel, Dan Herrewyn, Scott Waters and Angus Maddern.
It was not until the 20km mark the scratch bunch powered past the four-minute group.
The young Opperman and the veteran Peake were able to attach themselves to the scratch bunch, but the leading group was able to hold on, with Tess Wight taking the line honours ahead of Justin Beecher and Don Storcina.
Angus Maddern had the power in his legs to hold off Jack Patzel for fastest time.
The Brian Saffin Memorial Aggregate was held over nine races.
Saffin was a well-known local cyclist who was killed on a training ride.
In all, 40 cyclists contested races at various times, with Waters being the most consistent and earning 83 points over eight races.
Robert Mann was runner up with 69 points and Louise Abraham third with 64 points, both contesting eight of the nine races.
