The nine riders were greeted with ideal weather and as usual most were trying to better their previous time.
First to set out was Tocumwal dairy farmer Troy Alexander who started an hour before the advertised time and set a creditable time of 31min 29 seconds (adjusted handicap time was 28.24) and finished fifth.
The Finley contingent of Charlie and Sharyn White and their eighteen-year-old son Bailey, the man with the big heart, Berrigan’s Wayde Foster, Barooga’s Terry Walmsley, Cobram’s Rod Armstrong, the strong man from Waaia Paul Hogan, and the time trial specialist from Echuca, Cameron Smith all contested the undulating course, which was of sections of 5.2 kilometres.
Sharyn White was first to leave at the 10 am starting point, but due to a mechanical failure she unfortunately did not finish.
Wayde Foster was next and set a time of 39.16 min (28.54) to finish seventh. The hilly nature of the course does not suit him as he is of a heavier build, but still fought on strongly and was quite satisfied with his effort.
Rod Armstrong set off not knowing what to expect, as he was a little rusty, not having raced for quite a considerable time.
Last season’s overall winner Bailey White, who is a time trial enthusiast, was next “cab off the rank” and finished third, posting 35.51 min (28.04).
The now retired bicycle mechanic and the oldest starter Terry Walmsley, recorded 33.43 min (28.12) for fourth place.
Charlie White, looking in superb condition, was the seventh rider to attempt the 20.8-kilometre course and set an excellent time, recording 33.26 min (27.26) and took out the huge purse of ten dollars when he finished first on adjusted time.
Paul (Hoges) Hogan as he is better known, recorded the third fastest time on the first lap, but due to a leg injury, was transported to the finish in an officials vehicle and did not record a time.
Then 55-year-old Cameron Smith set off and “burnt up” the course to easily set the fastest time of the morning when he recorded 30.18 min (27.45).
A serious health issue threatened his career but he has made an amazing recovery and is highly regarded in cycling, not only as a competitor but in administration as well.
The club now look to next Sunday’s feature event, the Raymond Jarratt Handicap of 54 kilometres and will be staged for the second year on the Berrigan Yarrawonga Rd.
Please enter on Entry Boss. $30 entry.
All you riders out there, please consider entering as it promises to be very hotly contested with Mulwala local and Cobram Barooga Cycling Club’s seventeen-year-old star Maxwell Holgate as a favourite to take fastest time.
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