Big time trial day 1 21km U17 over hilly course
Brodie Stewart 35.29 (35.7km/hr)
Danielle Harford 35.34 (35.65km/hr)
Ashleigh Neave 36.02 (34.98km/hr)
This left Danielle 1 sec clear of Brodie Stewart (Visitor from Queensland OZ ranked number 2 in TT according to her Dad) on GC with Asleigh 3rd at 41 seconds.
Bev had decided that the road race on day 2 was a bit soft and added another lap of the Bell road Circuit for stage 3 with a new finish up hill on Scott road.
The day was humid and showery and the stage was neutralised for the first 7kms to get the bunch safely across new unswept seal. Danielle (and 2 others) punctured while still neutralised and after trouble trying to use wheel from wagon Danielle accepted Ashleighs offered wheel, Ashleigh accepting a spare which limited her available gears.
The race was on with Brittany Thompson attacking on the hills and a supposedly tired Brodie riding strongly. The 1 sec GC gap was closed early with bonus's. Ashleigh rode bravely and had to battle to hang on over the hills with the limited gears. Megan Watson and Ashleigh both worked hard to help Danielle who faded at the finish and was unable to cross before Brodie. The race was won by Zoe Anderson from Wellington with a strong finish. This put Danielle on 2nd GC and Ashliegh retained 3rd. The major placings remained unchanged during the afternoon criterium raced on a nerve racking wet circuit with Ashleigh finishing well for a 3rd place. A good result for Ramblers with 2nd and 3rd gc, Megan finished 9th in her first year U17 and Sarah down the field after a strong first day.
In the B grade Steph Everson had a strong time trial and worked her way up to third GC after the 3rd stage. She got shelled early on the wet criterium track and ended up dropping to a creditable 5th overall.
Toni Bradshaw showed her class taking out the A grade event
Thanks to Bev May, Morrinsville Wheelers, Velosport and Endurance Sport for another great event. Brodie Stewart from Australia was chuffed and is hoping to bring a team over next year which should fuel further interst in this event.
Another great Bev May tour
