Saturday produced riding conditions which were a real test of character as the riders had to battle the tough circuit from Mardan through Leongatha and Nerrena and back up the hill to Mardan plus cold wind and showers. Several riders decided the conditions were too bleak and did not start. However, 18 riders lined up for a start including new riders Lee Robinson, Anthony Mitchell and a super fit Drew Ginn of rowing fame.

First away was Steve Allan on 14 minutes followed by a bunch of 5 riders on 7 minutes. They were followed by another 5 riders on 4 minutes, 4 riders on 2 minutes and the scratch duo of Nick Aitken and Stuart Smith having one of their rare starts together at club racing. The run down the hills to Leongatha was dangerous as the crosswinds were buffeting the riders. Anthony Mitchell punctured so his race came to an end.

Through Nerrena the gaps closed and limit rider Steve Allan was caught at the base of the climb to Mardan. Drew Ginn had been driving the 2 minute bunch and hit the hill hard and not realising how long the climb was soon had a break on the co-markers. This was perhaps fortunate as the scratch duo were finishing quickly and soon rounded up the rest of the field on the climb. Drew persevered and finished solo to claim a first up win and show his cross training for rowing is working well. Next home in second and fastest time was Nick Aitken. The riders continued to finish in solo fashion and all glad to see the line. In third it was Stuart Smith, then Thierry Rolland, Neil White, Peter Hollins, Tom Debenham, Phil Hanley, Elliott Gin, and Lee Robinson rounding out the top 10 in his first ride.

The junior riders saw 3 riders head out to race up to Nicholls road and return, a distance of 11.5km. The riders were swapping turns into the wind until around Loves Lane corner where Matt Dudley had bike trouble and lost contact with Mitch Gin and Thomas McFarlane. After the turn the riders picked up more tail wind than head wind so there was little chance for Matt to catch the leading duo. The uphill sprint to the line saw Thomas McFarlane sprint home to take his second win in as many weeks.

Next week racing is at another tough circuit – starting and finishing at the Woolamai Race course but not before the riders have completed the climb up the gorge from Glen Forbes.

Race report by Lindsay Love