The final Time Trial and final road event of the year took place on Long Swamp this afternoon with the always tougher-than-it-looks 15K hilly course proving a good challenge for the 13 riders who dodged the rain and rolled up to what turned out to be some pretty good race conditions.

Captain Creagan not only volunteered to put the signs out at the last minute but he also kept his bike in the boot and ran the race despite our new club finish line video camera getting its first work out – hopefully this will be the solution to our all our timekeeping needs in 2015.

In terms of the race, the turn was situated at the top of the hill so the course was actually a little bit longer at 15.6km and a couple of riders managed to break the magic 40kph for the circuit – no mean feat given the lateness of the season and the unhelpful winds. Sartorial highlight went to Jeff Flatt who complemented his full aero rig (complete with solid rear wheel) with an aero helmet, aero drinking bottle that held about 100ml and what appeared to be spray-on socks and overshoes. All jokes aside, it seemed to pay off as he rode very well and only missed out on a Top-3 spot by 13 seconds.

Winner on the day was Ben Harris who clipped on some bars and came home in 23m:21s to edge out Mick Hoult by just 3 seconds and finish off a great season. Out to prove a point, Johnny punched out a strong ride for third on a conventional set-up bike. Paul Williams continued his good form of late with a 25m:03s and Clint just missed out on beating Uncle Dene by 3s.

And that folks was the final public road event of 2014. From here on in to Christmas we’re into criterium season with 3 events at the track which is in good shape at the moment. Next weekend we also have the club Christmas Party at the bowlo so please get your RSVP’s into Deb as soon as possible if you haven’t already and we hope to see you all then.

Thanks again to PC for his help today and to all the riders who rounded off the road racing year in style.

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