Cycling
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
THE 2015 Collie to Donnybrook and Return Bendigo Bank Cycle Classic with a record nomination of 229 starters was the fastest race in its 90 year history by over three minutes.
The race was run at a fast pace and produced one of the most exciting finishes ever seen. There was a big bunch sprint for the line, where David Wessels from the 16 minute group emerged the winner with the fast finishing scratch bunch just 300 metres behind. A handful of seconds later, the fast finishing scratch bunch crossed the line with Graeme Brown taking fastest time honours and setting a new course record.
Riders set off in warm, sunny conditions which promised a fast pace. Limit was set at 35 min with second limit at 27 min, but both of these groups were in trouble early. The front groups pushed off the line knowing they had a hard day ahead. The middle markers in large groups and having only one minute between them got away, showing real enthusiasm as they left the starter.
The scratch bunch moved away like a machine with Graeme Brown powering straight to the front and leading the way out of town chasing first and second blocks knowing the gaps were not big and that they needed to bring them back quickly to have a real shot at first place.
The first big climb to the top of Lyall’s Mill is a test for many a rider and must be conquered with plenty in reserve. The first three front bunches all struggled and lost riders on this climb. These bunches finally came together just before Lowden.
The race at this stage was made up of five large groups; the three limit marker groups in front, followed by two bunches of middle markers and another bunch comprising the 8, 9 and 10 minute groups.
These were all being chased by a fast and powerful back marker bunch that would have been averaging around 50kph at this stage. It was not long after the turn around in Donnybrook that the limit riders were caught by a large group which contained David Wessels, the eventual winner.
While all this was taking place at the front of the race, the back markers were making up time at a fast rate. At the turn in Donnybrook, they had made over half the time given to the limit riders and it was looking very much like a scratch rider could win the day.
On the return journey the lead had settled to a group of around forty riders as they passed through Lowden. The back markers who were making time at a good rate could almost see the front of the race. In a race set at such a fast pace, there will be a lot of carnage along the way and as the lead group neared Mumballup many riders were falling off the back of the main groups, some having given all for their team.
It was at this stage as the lead group closed in on Mumballup that the back markers made a mistake in allowing the pace to slacken for a few minutes. This would prove to be the difference at the end.
The lead group turned at Mumballup and the attacks came fast, quickly reducing the bunch size. The back markers by now had increased the pace again in their attempt to catch the leading riders before the finish line. The gap between the leaders and the chasing back markers was decreasing rapidly.
The large crowd waiting at the finish line did not know what was about to come around the Miners’ Institute corner.
The lead group of about 20 riders came around the corner with David Wessels holding a 20 metre lead after getting the jump as they had entered the corner. The bunch sprint provided an exciting finish with Wessels holding on by a matter of a bike length. Just as he crossed the line a bigger bunch came around the corner and a mass sprint for fastest time took place.
Riders were looking for wheels and gaps but Graeme Brown kept cool under pressure and proved too good for the rest to set a new fastest time of 2 hours 17 minutes and 46 seconds.
Placings: 1st David Wessels 2 hours 33 minutes 30 seconds, 2nd Freddy Landon - 2 hours 33 minutes 31 seconds, 3rd Martin Dolinschek - 2 hours 34 minutes 31 seconds.
Fastest Time 1st Graeme Brown - 2 hours 17 minutes 46 seconds, 2nd Theodore Yates - 2 hours 17 minutes 46 seconds, 3rd Nicholas Graham-Dawson - 2 hours 17 minutes 46 seconds
The number of female participants is growing year by year and these ladies acquitted themselves very well. Rebecca Mackey was the first female home in a time of 2 hours 30 minutes and 48 seconds followed by Erin Kinneally 2 hours 30 minutes and 49 seconds and Lorna Henson 2 hours 37 minutes and 55 seconds.
The Prime Industries Masters Open was won by Barry Wilson with Garrod Delfs second, Claes Qvarnstorm third and Adrian Woods coming home in fourth spot.
Both junior races had good strong fields and strong competition on the road. The Bluewater’s Power under 17s was a very strong field with 21 starters nominated to take on the 54 kilometre ride. Four minute marker, Bryce Lanigan put in strong effort to take third place and fastest time.
In the Dawson Contracting under 15’s 40 km handicap first place went to Laura Hodges with Anisah Irvine second. Jordan Dawson riding from scratch came in third and fastest.
It was very pleasing to see a large number of entries in the 20 km participation ride. Over sixty riders set out from the start line to enjoy the ride in Spring- like sunshine. This event also contains the primary schools challenge.
Collie Catholic College has won the shield the last two years but had to lower their colours this year to Allanson Primary. The team from Allanson Primary came with a plan and have taken the shield home for the next twelve months. It was very pleasing to see students from Wilson Park Primary as well, out enjoying the ride.
A special thank you to all our volunteers, these people are the ones who make the day work. Thank you very much Collie Rotary Club, Saturday Morning Ride Group, Gary Wallace and his motor bike riders; all the council worker who give up their Saturdays to assist and the first aid ladies.
