Medals elude Ramblers Day Three Road Races

A difficult day for Ramblers, with a strong team of 5 riders in the under 17 boys hopes were high for more medal glory. Alex McCrory-Bowick from Counties Manakau rode a strong race breaking away from the bunch with a lap to go with Dion Smith and Nick Sutton to take the medals in that order. Duncan McKenzie rode bravely early in the race for the team to shut down early attacks and destroyed his own chances for a medal. Tim Lutter, Lance Welch and Sam Clark all rode well working for the team and stayed with the bunch until getting shelled at the top of the hill in the last lap. Fraser Gough (team leader)was unable to respond to Alex's attack and had to settle for the bunch sprint taking an unconfirmed 4th.




In the Senior mens combined with the under 23's Jeremy Yates looked strong and comfortable early in the race. There was an early break of 4 riders who whittled down to 1 (Jack Bower from PNP Wellington). The pack kept him in range and several riders including Hayden Godfrey, James Williamson, Robin Reid got across to Jack with a recovering from a cold, Jeremy unable to respond. The race was easily one by Haden Godfrey, Jack Bower 2nd and Robin Reid taking the bronze. U23 winner Louis Crosby stayed with the small leading group leaving the others to fight it out in a bunch sprint.Dillon Stewart the only other Ramblers rider had a strong ride for over half of the race and finished with several others several minutes of the pace.

With the Nationals date changed to May next year in Hawkes Bay many Ramblers must have opted not to make the journey south for this meeting and has resulted in the Medal count being down on the previous two Nationals. This should be rectified next year on the planned Crownthorpe circuit which should make for exciting racing.

Thanks to the Star and Garter Cycling Club for a well run Road Race event with great traffic management on a sometimes busy road. A picturesque and challenging but fair course in the Upper Moutere, with the weather generally being good lead to an enjoyable 4 days of racing.

Check out the photos of day two here Here