We had a solid turnout if 20 riders for this years edition of Mur d’Dangarsleigh, with a 34km parcours and a hilltop finish to test the riders. Weather conditions were bright & sunny, with a strong westerly wind providing tailwind to the turn then headwind on the run for home.
With Col at the helm for the first handicaps of the road season riders had a chance to show their form ahead of the commencement of the RROTY competition.
Laura Vargovic was the GO rider, with a 5min start on the next group on the road, which consisted of a quartet of riders expertly marshalled by Captain Creagen, with last weeks winner Christian Girard onboard, along with Jacqui King and Pete Wilko. At 7mins was the chasing trio of Chris Belson, Rod Christie, and the welcome return of Bryn Griffiths.
3 more trio’s were set off in pursuit; first was Lachie, Swanny, and Dene Bourke at 10mins; hot on their heels was John Scott-Hamilton, Toby Inglis, and Clint Bourke at 13mins; and just 1.30mins later Holly, Matt Bedford, and Pat Ferris.
Block was the deadly in-form duo of Brent Weston & Houlty at 16mins, with lone scratch rider Mick Harris having a tough chase in prospect given the outbound tailwind.
With our usual roving reporter away this weekend the in-race information is limited, but the results show that astute handicapping saw the podium consist of 3 riders from 3 different groups, and the top 16 finishers were all within 5mins of the winner.
But it was Rod Christie took out an excellent win – well done Rod! Just 20 seconds behind and nearly holding on for a second win in succession was Christian, with a chasing Toby Inglis another 40 seconds further back. Other notable performances on the day were Brent Weston who recorded the fastest time, although at just 2 seconds slower Pat Ferris definitely caught the handicappers eye as both just pipped Missile Mick Harris solo effort.
Well done to all riders, thanks to Col for running the race, and Wilf for once again doing stirling work with the sign and manning the turn. Next week we kick off our first TT of the year on Long Swamp!
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