Illawarra Cycle Club

Racing under near perfect conditions, the first of 10 bunches set off on Cleveland Road at 10am. This bunch, 10, included ICC riders Nathan Hawes, Jasmine Arnold, Lionel Covington, Tony Stephenson and Edwin Lie. The last 6 survivors of this bunch were finally caught on the dog track after 80km and included all ICC but Jasmine and Tony. Undoubtedly, it was Lionel Covington who drove this bunch for most of its break. From the following car, it was also great to see Lionel, Nathan and Edwin encouraging each other in the final kilometres before being caught

At this stage the limit group was down to 6, with 3 ICC (Lionel, Nathan, Edwin), with the KOM contested among them. It was a Dulwich Hill rider who took the KOM by 50metres to Lionel who had sat on the front of this bunch for probably 70km already.

Behind, bunch 8 had caught bunch 9 and were storming home. This bunch included ‘Pepe’, Brett Murray, Greg Brennan, Peter Vessell, Mark Molloy, Phil Jones, Jeff Vaughn-Floyd, Dave Russell, Rob Calladine, Diego Diaz. It was the remnants of bunches 8 & 9 that caught the limit bunch 10 half-way up the dog track on the way home, with the first 5 places from bunches 8 & 9.

Meanwhile, the scratch bunch had caught their block group and what looked like an impossible task, had caught ALL of bunches 2,3,4,5,6,& 7 by the 3rd outbound lap leaving numerous dropped riders in their wake. The bunch included many ICC riders. The large group of spectators, family and supporters on Marshall Mount were treated to a thrilling final run to the Christian School and could see the progress of the two large bunches along Calderwood Road.

The final frantic run down Cleveland Road left some riders in the wake of the two big bunches who ended up exactly ONE MINUTE apart, followed by the final group 2 minutes later.

A great race, well organised as usual, and well handicapped Garry.

Wal Erven, ICC Secretary

Full Results