Sport
12 December, 2025
Windy conditions for cyclists
THE winds were blowing for race nine of the Camperdown Cycling Club summer series last week.
The junior education session was based on picking up a drink bottle off a wooden box while riding around the warm up track.
This takes great skill and many laughs were had with the failed attempts that were made and an occasional cheer when the task was successfully completed.
Twelve riders lined up on the start line for a blistery race around the junior circuit.
It was a special night with junior members reflecting on past club member, Geoff Kane.
Geoff gave his time generously in the past to the club and his son Chris was on hand to present the trophy in his father’s honour.
An explanation was given to the youngest riders on what a trophy race is and how they need to win to hold it at the end.
This talk must have inspired the juniors, with all riders giving it all over the line.
Race nine belonged to the three eight year-olds who took all the podium spots.
Bede crept over the line in first place.
He continues to show strong form out on the circuit and last week his winning time was 14.05.
Second place went to Finny with a time of 14.32 and in third was Archie with his time of 14.51.
All other riders showed great determination and perseverance in the blistering winds.
Other riders’ times were Henry 13.21, Lawson 13.04, Bentley 12.05, Taj 13.09, Rieley 12.33, Eleanor 22.01, Ava 12.23, Nathaniel 11.12 and Josh with the fastest time of 09.55.
Blustery conditions also met the seven senior riders for a traditional handicap race.
Matt Clark and Shannon Bell rode off limit, giving Matt Gstrien a mere 30 seconds start.
Josh Thompson started solo one minute later, then Oliver Clark 2min 30sec further back and lastly Shaun Thompson and Todd Baxter riding off scratch one minute, 55seconds later.
The first four riders came together around the ‘Chocolyn Bridge’ (near Chocolyn Settlement Rd) and worked together nicely, staying away from scratch to the finish.
The two scratchmen made up little ground with the tail wind but started eating into the gaps after the turn at Chocolyn.
They finally caught Oliver at the racecourse, who gave them one good turn before peeling off the back (muttering something about gears).
Meanwhile Josh jumped away after Pasques corner, leaving the others looking at each other.
Ever cagey Matty G mopped up second place followed by Shannon and then Matt C.
Half a wheel gave Shaun the time ahead of Todd while Oliver cruised in to inherit the wooden spoon.
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