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EDEN ROAD TT 17January 2024 Colouring in, watching paint dry, synchronised swimming, darts, anything with an E in front of it and TTs – the great sporting spectacles of the Twenty First Century. Just the mention that one of these events is on in town is sure to attract a crowd. The Albany Cycle Club’s Eden Road Time Trial did just that. The promise of an almost pancake flat course, the lure of Surf Gallery coffee and cake immediately afterwards and the prospect of being belittled in this race report brought them flocking to test their mettle against the clock over the 20km course amongst the peppy trees and the beguiling aroma of an algae infested Wilson Inlet. Eighteen brave and sturdy competitors lined up on the start-line to be released at one-minute intervals. More than a few had completed a warmup ride from regions afar, East and West, and were absolutely primed to pin their ears back and show that digital timer what’s what. Of course, intent rarely matches ability and for the most part, it was the timer doing some quiet gloating, as shattered dreams trickled over the line, breathing ragged and heavy, smeared in spittle and grime. The winner of the highly coveted box set of 100 of Derwent coloured pencils was Brent Schoof, who covered the course in 30.51 at an average speed of 39.3kmh. A performance that had more than one spectator leaping from the couch in rapturous excitement, and this was after he removed the legs of those who rode out to the event with him. The fastest woman was Jessica Davison at 36kmh, in a tick over 34 minutes. Camrin Maguire was second on the day in 32 minutes and Mike Staude rounded out the podium with a time of 32.36. Marshalls, Keith Symes and Dave Wettenhall were offering plenty of positive encouragement at the 10km turn around point. Symes suggested to one laggard that it was time to put on the afterburners; sound advice for said sluggard as their outward leg could only be described as slovenly. Heeding that advice, their return leg was simply untidy, and the overall result, underwhelming. More notable performances on the day came from newcomer, Claire Learey, who finished with an average speed of 32.6kmh, just a few seconds behind second placed female, Liz Cooper. John Toomey, in his return to the club, also performed well, averaging 32.5kmh for the 20km course. Thanks to our volunteers who ran the start/finish, manned the turn around and set out and collected the signs. Your efforts are always appreciated. Next week is the Teardrop Handicap at Denmark. A great course featuring the finest of Denmark’s hills. Racing starts at 2pm from Rockcliffe Winery and the handicap format gives all competitors the chance to raise perform their choice of victory salute. |
