Blue sky and sunshine greeted riders on Saturday at Grove Bush. Division 1, 2 and 3 completed 76km with 2 laps of the Hedgehope Spring Hills, Rakahouka circuit. Division 4 and the mighty under 15s ripped around one lap of the demanding course.
Many thanks to Crigs for making it all happen and Christine Jones, Sharyon Ralph, Kenny Wilson, Keith Wilson and Glen Ferguson for their support to Lindsay with the traffic management.
Division 1: 1 hr- 54-10 – 10 starters
A quality field that included none other than Pieter Bulling raced aggressively. Tour of Southland riders Luke Macpherson and Brendan Akeroyd once again showed good form as they continue to build for November. An early puncture to Josh van den Arend ended his chances but he produced a great solo ride to pass div 3 and pace his way over to div 2. In the sprint for the line Nicholas Kergozou showed his class winning from Brendan Akeroyd and Josh Haggerty, third.
Division 2: 2hrs-04-19: 17 starters
Andrew Lienert and Jeff Rooney displayed some good form attacking on the first lap. Not to be out done Derek Tan contributed with a not unexpected solo effort.
Steve Keast applied pressure leading in to the Rakahouka Hill on the second lap but the young legs of the Under 17 riders put the Masters to the sword with Hamish Keast winning the sprint from Will Sutherland, Corbin Strong third and Matt Nunns fourth place finish an awesome achievement.
Division 3: 2hrs-08-08: 16 starters
Consistent early pace set up a first lap time similar to Division 2.
Erin Criglington forced the pace all day in the hills and consistent efforts by Team First’s Dave Simpson, Shirlene Rollo, Tim Maynard, Jamie Wilson and Marty Lohrey kept pressure on.
Ride of the day was produced by Craig Sadlier with two mighty efforts off the front for several kilometres. Wally Kopae’s win outclassed the fast finishing Tim Maynard and Jamie Wilson for third.
Division 4: 1hr-14-36: 6 Starters
Initially the field was boosted by the inclusion of the under 15 riders but it didn’t take long for the oldies to clear out and two competitive races ensued. The final bump on the course once again split the field with Tony Raggett powering away to leave Kate Wilson, second place and Daryl Haggerty third. Kate continues to improve every week – seems to be the combination of a very good coach, determination and powered by hot chocolates from the café.
Under 15s: 1hr-18-10: 10 starters
Competitive and determined riders worked their way around a challenging 38km assisted by Gerald Paterson and Angela Andrews. The Rakahouka hill once again produced the split in the field.
Hunter Gough proved too strong at the finish, winning from Holly Pierce and Ellesse Andrews, third.
Div 1
1st Nick Kergozou, 2nd Brendan Akeroyd, 3rd Josh Haggerty
Div 2
1st Hamish Keast, 2nd Will Sutherland, 3rd Corbin Strong
Div 3
1st Wally Kopae, 2nd Tim Maynard, 3rd Jamie Wilson
Div 4
1st Tony Raggett, 2nd Kate Wilson, 3rd Raryl Haggerty
Juniors
1st Hunter Gough, 2nd Holly Pierce, 3rd Ellesse Andrews
Report courtesy of maestro Bruce Jones!