Bean
04-05-2010, 12:21 PM
Arrived back yesterday and have only just got the chance to report on the Frank Long Classic in Hamilton. It's only a 37 km handicap, so there's not all that much that goes on in such a short race, but because of it's long history (this year being the 60th anniversary), there was a lot going on. The Hamilton Cycling Club had attempted to contact all previous winners and fastest time riders to get them to come along, managing to get around 30 of them to show. Many of them raced and the guys who won and came in in the quickest in the first race back in 1951 made an appearance, setting the riders off at the start. One of these old blokes had come all the way from Queensland for the event!
I'd been placed in the middle bunch at 7.5 mins from both scratch and limit, with a total of 59 pre-registered riders over a range of groups in between. A bit smaller field on the road than last year, but still a good showing. There was a strong head-wind on the outward stretch but that seemed to be the least of our worries heading out as our bunch of 8 dwindled quickly, with 3 or 4 riders sitting in and unable to handle the pace. Down to just a few of us doing all the work there was no chance we were going to catch the bunch 2 minutes ahead of us. After about 16 km the bunch behind came whizzing through, despite them having an early crash after a clipped wheel (there was a lot of movement in the bunches due to the strong wind). The remnants of our bunch jumped on and worked like hell to keep the pace going. We were all relieved to see the turn-around as we would be getting a tail-wind on the way back, but the pace just intensified and it was on for young and old. The bunch was now about 12 and we were picking our way past dropped riders as we approached the lead group. As we turned for the final straight to the finish line we were gaining on the leaders and dragging them back. A true testament to fine handicapping skills saw the lead bunch pip us at the line by just seconds and I rolled over in about 14th position... completely spent.
A great little race overall and heaps of fun. More importantly were the festivities afterwards. As Long family member I presented the awards to the juniors (who had completed a 20k handicap immediately prior to the senior race) and presentations to the senior winners were handled by one of my sisters and several cousins. There's very good prize money for this event!! The party was on in earnest and was topped off by a presentation of all previous winners/fastest time riders who'd showed from over the years, including Clyde Sefton (Silver medal, Munich Olympics Road Race - only Australian male to podium in that event) who also gave an inspirational talk to those assembled. One of my uncles gave the heart-breaking story of Frank Long's loss of life while riding in Melbourne 60 years ago and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. A typical story of cyclists taking second place when we share the road with motorised vehicles.
All in all a great experience and a great event. My thanks to the Hamilton CC members, especially race director/handicapper and commissaire Steve Lannigan, and to Dean McLaren who organised the after events and contact so many past winners... and almost dragged me over the line for a Long family win!
Sorry I couldn't make it to the CT, but this event is perpetually on my calendar!
I'd been placed in the middle bunch at 7.5 mins from both scratch and limit, with a total of 59 pre-registered riders over a range of groups in between. A bit smaller field on the road than last year, but still a good showing. There was a strong head-wind on the outward stretch but that seemed to be the least of our worries heading out as our bunch of 8 dwindled quickly, with 3 or 4 riders sitting in and unable to handle the pace. Down to just a few of us doing all the work there was no chance we were going to catch the bunch 2 minutes ahead of us. After about 16 km the bunch behind came whizzing through, despite them having an early crash after a clipped wheel (there was a lot of movement in the bunches due to the strong wind). The remnants of our bunch jumped on and worked like hell to keep the pace going. We were all relieved to see the turn-around as we would be getting a tail-wind on the way back, but the pace just intensified and it was on for young and old. The bunch was now about 12 and we were picking our way past dropped riders as we approached the lead group. As we turned for the final straight to the finish line we were gaining on the leaders and dragging them back. A true testament to fine handicapping skills saw the lead bunch pip us at the line by just seconds and I rolled over in about 14th position... completely spent.
A great little race overall and heaps of fun. More importantly were the festivities afterwards. As Long family member I presented the awards to the juniors (who had completed a 20k handicap immediately prior to the senior race) and presentations to the senior winners were handled by one of my sisters and several cousins. There's very good prize money for this event!! The party was on in earnest and was topped off by a presentation of all previous winners/fastest time riders who'd showed from over the years, including Clyde Sefton (Silver medal, Munich Olympics Road Race - only Australian male to podium in that event) who also gave an inspirational talk to those assembled. One of my uncles gave the heart-breaking story of Frank Long's loss of life while riding in Melbourne 60 years ago and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. A typical story of cyclists taking second place when we share the road with motorised vehicles.
All in all a great experience and a great event. My thanks to the Hamilton CC members, especially race director/handicapper and commissaire Steve Lannigan, and to Dean McLaren who organised the after events and contact so many past winners... and almost dragged me over the line for a Long family win!
Sorry I couldn't make it to the CT, but this event is perpetually on my calendar!