Riders who have raced the Cunningham Classic prior to the 2009 event were not lulled by the absence of the customary south-westerly which seems to be a Cunningham institution, buffeting riders all the way from Gatton to Warwick. A frosty morning for the 2009 race was followed by a still day. The result was faster average speeds across all divisions. The Cunningham is a tough race and deserves its ’classic’ rating and Bikeline’s riders did themselves and the race club proud as they crossed the finish line.
By the time Elite A finished, a large crowd of competitors and supporters lined Victoria Street in Warwick. Karl Evans’s fifth place in the Elite A race had the local supporters cheering with delight when we realised he was in the sprint finish to the end after his recent promotion from Elite B to Elite A. Congratulations Karl, who rides Elite A without the support of a team.
Speaking with the Elite B riders, Matt, Jimmy, Randall and Dave prior to the start in Gatton provided an insight into the tactics they had agreed for the race to Warwick. A couple of hours later in Warwick it was obvious that the tactics had been played out very well. Matt led Dave into the straight to the finish line. It was a long sprint. Dave crossed the line in third place, a fine achievement following his recent second in the Jon Brooks Classic at Mt Tyson.
Anyone who has met Peter Collins who rode Elite C will have commented on his preferred race footwear – touring bike sandals with SPD clips. Peter proves we have questionable grounds for wanting super stiff carbon soles on our race shoes; and how will we ever justify a pair of custom made, super cool race shoes again. There was Peter, across the line in second place, scoring another great placing for the Bikeline racers.
Masters B saw a strong finish from Grant Iddons and TCC rider, Graham Day. Registrations in both Masters B and Masters C required these divisions to be divided into two heats each and the pace was on in each heat resulting in groups catching heats which had started ahead of them, in the same division. Tony Nolan completed the Bikeline contingent with a strong finish with all local riders ahead of a crash which marred the sprint for several riders.
Doug, Peter and Charlie rode strongly in Masters C grade, a race which saw the pack split into a number of groups. That resulted in the field being spread over a long distance on the approach to Warwick. Doug powered up the climb and stayed in the front bunch to the finish line which was a great result in that big field of over 80 riders who started in Masters C. TCC rider, Steve from Charleville, rode strongly to finish with Doug. Steve trains on his own in Charleville and rides for the Chinchilla TCC group. The partnership during the race between Steve and Doug exemplifies what is good about competitive cycling. The benefit of this partnership was that both finished in the front group.
The Under 19 field included riders who are no strangers to podium finishes. Jon Lindley commmisaired for this race. Jon said the Under 19 riders demonstrated excellent race skills and cycling athleticism to almost catch the Elite B race which had started 8 minutes in front of their younger counterparts. Under 19 comprised a small field of no more than 20 riders. They rode hard to the finish which saw Aaron Benson cross the line in fifth place, behind Toowoomba rider, Jamie Lacey in fourth place.
Kangaroo Point Cycling Club can be proud of the staging of the 2009 Cunningham Classic and every participant should be equally proud of taking on the challenge of this cycling classic.
The Under 19 field included riders who are no strangers to podium finishes. Jon Lindley commmisaired for this race. Jon said the Under 19 riders demonstrated excellent race skills and cycling athleticism to almost catch the Elite B race which had started 8 minutes in front of their younger counterparts. Under 19 comprised a small field of no more than 20 riders. They rode hard to the finish which saw Aaron Benson cross the line in fifth place, behind Toowoomba rider, Jamie Lacey in fourth place.
Kangaroo Point Cycling Club can be proud of the staging of the 2009 Cunningham Classic and every participant should be equally proud of taking on the challenge of this cycling classic.
The Under 19 field included riders who are no strangers to podium finishes. Jon Lindley commmisaired for this race. Jon said the Under 19 riders demonstrated excellent race skills and cycling athleticism to almost catch the Elite B race which had started 8 minutes in front of their younger counterparts. Under 19 comprised a small field of no more than 20 riders. They rode hard to the finish which saw Aaron Benson cross the line in fifth place, behind Toowoomba rider, Jamie Lacey in fourth place.
Kangaroo Point Cycling Club can be proud of the staging of the 2009 Cunningham Classic and every participant should be equally proud of taking on the challenge of this cycling classic.
Grade
RiderResult
Elite A Men – Karl Evans – 8th
Elite B Men – Dave Kenny – 3rd
Elite C Men – Pete Collins – 2nd
Under 19 Men – Aaron Benson – 5th