GIPPSLAND CYCLING

The Gippsland Vets cyclists saw another day of exciting competition with a handicap event at Kernot last Sunday. The 41 kilometre course starting at the Kernot Community Hall proved to be a challenge with the windy conditions and undulating road. Michael Lynch and Ian Jones started well before the next group of riders joined the starting line and it became clear that to catch these two was going to be a huge effort. Although the three chasing groups were joined together by about the 7km mark, they were unable to chase down Ian Jones who eventually won the race by 5 minutes.

The chasing group worked reasonably well together and at this point they were only racing for the minor placings. As pride was at stake, all riders were still going to give their best to finish in the top three. About 4 kilometres from the finish, Gary Campbell took the initiative and attacked viciously leaving the field surprised. It was not long before Rob Green and Garry Lamb decided to chase him down.

They were joined in the pursuit by Bryan Wright who lead the chase group within striking distance of Gary Campbell. Ian Miller then took charge and joined Gary before the final kilometre. At the top of the last hill before the finish, there was Gary Campbell, Ian Miller, Rob Green and Garry Lamb all in contention. Ian lead the way with Gary on his heels, followed by Rob and Garry. This final kilometre down the hill was a game of tactics, but Gary Campbell had the power at the finish with a 50 metre burst to win by half a wheel, followed by Ian Miller, Rob Green and Garry Lamb.