MOUNT Gambier Cycling Club racers returned to the familiar Caves Road course for Race 7 of the Kidman Law Co Spring Summer Series on the weekend over a shorter 20km distance.
A slight northerly breeze provided a tailwind out towards the border, but a headwind for the return journey.
The Under 11/13 riders were the first to race, with Eddie Buckland setting off for his 10km race with a 2:30-minute head start over Molly Opperman.
Buckland rode the first 5km to the turnaround maintaining his lead but as the race entered the final 2km and the slight rise before the finish, Opperman took control before powering away over the hill to claim the win with a race time of 20:52, 25 seconds ahead of Buckland.
Following the Junior race, the remaining 21 riders prepared to set off, with Jason Buckland and Damian Buckley first away, expected by the handicappers to race at approximately 28km/h for the 20km race.
The next group to leave, penalised after their quinella the previous week, were Jen Buckland and Elmer Buckland, waiting three minutes before they could begin the chase.
A further five minutes later, Craig Andre, Harry Opperman, Bruce McLaughlin, Mike Bakker, Paul Brooker and Sarah Dally were given the orders to start their race.
Spek Peake, Colin Weatherill, John Cranwell and Malcolm Tirabassi only had to wait a further minute before they began their chase, followed two minutes later by the group of Limestone Coast Academy riders Jami Buckley, Niel van Niekirk, Pat Langsmith and their mentor Rob Mann.
The final group to leave waited another two minutes – 13 minutes from the start of the race – before Ash Herrewyn, Matthew Opperman and Dave Bryant began their chase, with an anticipated average speed of at least 40km/h to swamp everyone at the finish line.
All riders took advantage of the slight tailwind along Caves Road, maintaining high average speeds until the turnaround, knowing the headwind on the return leg would slow them down.
It was at the turnaround some of the earlier efforts began to take their toll and some riders found it harder to hold onto their groups.
Out in front Damian Buckley powered along, seemingly unfazed by the extra work required to maintain his pace.
With 4km to race he made his move, increasing the pace until Jason Buckland could no longer hold his wheel.
He was able to maintain his lead over Buckland to the finish line, finishing in a time of 39:45 for the victory.
Harry Opperman won the sprint for the final position on the podium, edging out Craig Andre and a fast finishing Malcolm Tirabassi.
Dave Bryant won the sprint for the line to receive fastest time honours – 29:26, just above their expected average speed.
This weekend the club’s road race will be held at Kalangadoo, remembering Rob Hodgson with a 30km race along a flat circuit.
With the weather on the improve, and extra daylight into the evening, the club is also preparing to hold track racing at the Blue Lake velodrome on Friday evenings.
The public is welcome to attend.
