Following a recent dust storm and upto 40km/h winds, the State Team Time Trial in Laidley was again going to prove to be a challenge. Two teams entered from Bikeline Racing; U17 team consisting of Alex Head, Jacob Mouatt, Ben Southey, and first time racer Brad Turrell, and the Elite Men team consisting of Karl Evans, Jimmy Pauli, Peter Collins and a handsome young man by the name of Matt Hickey.
Their was some nervous moments when the juniors were getting ready when a rider, who will remain anonymous (no one will ever know Jacob!), forgot to pack his racing kit clothes. A quick yet legal drive home and back by dad saw the team literally depart with Jacob rolling through the start line to join the others
The boys obviously kept their cool after the frantic start because they were able to come home with the Bronze Medal in a very competitive U17 field. Awesome effort boys!!! You can checkout how happy they were on the Bikeline Racing Gallery page.
The Elite team came together to race on the day which I don’t recommend anyone do… especially at a state level event. A very fast start and dust saw Jimmy experience breathing issues at the 40km mark. Karl, Pete and Matt regrouped and put in a very quick following 20km’s into the 34km/h head/cross wind. At one stage over race radio we were 3rd on the road with seconds splitting the top teams. It was very difficult to ride in close because the wind would blow you a meter in one direction and if your team mates weren’t concentrating, you would all be on the floor. Karl looked like he was on a club stroll and Pete was fantastic taking turns and keeping a fast consistent pace. The only think we can put that down to is the shoe covers he put over the clip-in sandals which he has made famous. The lack of training and miles caused me (Matt) to suffer on the last 15kms home but Karl and Pete kept me sheltered. We ended up with 6th place and a few hard lessons learnt.
A huge thank you to Chris Head for doing the Club official duties at the event and also to our supporters, Pat (photographer), Doug, Wendy (Driver), Bell Pauli and Peter Mouatt (Driver). We all really appreciate it.