This week marked the return of the Road Racer of the Year (RROTY) competition, and it was the tough Boorolong parcours that awaited the 29 riders with 30km of handicap racing in store. A fine spring afternoon with a light southerly blowing across the course meant that conditions were favourable, and front runners would have a real shot at holding off the firecrackers behind.
GO riders were Jacqui King and Bernie May, with the next group of Pete Creagan, John Kenny, Pete Wilko, Hayden Freeman, and Mark Hayden off at 2:30mins. It was then a sizeable gap to the 6min duo of Bryn Griffiths & Pete Hosking, with groups rolling off thick and fast after this at 7:30, 8:30, 9:15, and 11mins. Chasing from the back was the Block group of Mick Hoult, Jeremy McCann, Paul Williams, Holly Harris, Matt Bedford, and Pat Ferris at 13:50mins, with the Scratch duo of Toby Inglis and Brent Weston having a 30 second gap to close quickly if they were going to be in the race.
The outbound leg saw groups fighting hard to stay intact, and as riders struggled up the Twisties to the turn, the front of the race had been reduced to a lead duo of PC & John at the helm. They had clear air ahead of the chasing groups, with a large group of riders turning 3mins behind the leaders with Hugh McKellar driving the front and Richard Wilko, Katherine Hosking, Rod Christie, Andrew Swan, and Rob Tindale along for the ride. At the back of the race Block had been shredded, and although Toby had managed to make the catch, only Matt and Jeremy had been able to hitch a ride on the Houlty express – this quartet turned with a significant 5min deficit, so could they have an impact on the fast return leg?
As riders made the run for home, the Block train started to reel in those ahead, and as racers went under the flamme rouge with 1km to go they finally made the catch on Hugh’s group; but out front PC and John had paced their ride perfectly, and with the chasers on their tail John made the jump solo to take out a solid win – well done John! PC held on for second just 6 seconds ahead of the block group, where Jeremy outsprinted Matt, and Toby for the podium, although they had the consolation of picking up the remaining RROTY points. It’s also of note that the lead block group came within 13 seconds of Jason Simmonds 2019 RROTY Boorolong course record, with Toby taking the fastest time of the day…great work Toby!
Well done to everyone for some fast & competitive racing, thanks to Dene for the signs, and Col & Wilf for running the race. Next week we have the club TT championship on Dangarsleigh; please note the earlier start time of 3:30pm.
[table id=395 /]