MatthewL
25-07-2010, 06:44 PM
This year’s Secret Handicap was run over a rolling 38 k course along Tidbinbilla Road, starting and finishing at Lookout Hill.
What was the secret?? Naturally, many factors had to be considered – starting with the clubs’ grading lists, but also including the number of starters in each grade, recent results on TTs and road races, the nature of the course, contributions to the handicappers retirement fund, etc., etc. Chickens were slaughtered, entrails consulted and many cups of tea consumed so leaves could be read. Eventually a series of numbers were produced – not to be divulged until the last rider had crossed the finish line.
A crisp sunny morning greeted the 27 starters, who were sent off just after 10 am. By the time the riders went past Lookout Hill the first time a leading bunch had become with the chasers spread out in small groups behind. Finally the cry went up – riders coming! – and a fast finishing group was spotted. There was clearly a battle going on with riders trying to get a break on the bunch. The final uphill sprint was closely contested with Felix Pirie just edging out Philip Jermyn on the line, followed quickly after by Nuru Somi and Mike Christopherson, with Shane Farrant and Michael Rice close behind.
As the rest of the field came in, the calculations started. After much brow-furrowing and scratching out, the conclusion was: Nuru Somi first, with an adjusted time of 57:08; second was Adam Rudgley (57:29) and third Shane Farrant (1:01:11).
Congratulations to these riders and to all participants.
Many thanks to my marshalls Allan Bontjer, Tom Behrens and Shalan Bray, and a special huge thanks to Vanessa Essam (who wasn’t even rostered on!) for her invaluable advice and assistance in the lead up and on the morning of the race.
Detailed results below:
Name Time Adjusted time
Nuru Somi 1:03:38 0:57:08
Adam Rudgley 1:03:59 0:57:29
Shane Farrant 1:03:41 1:01:11
Michael Rice 1:03:45 1:01:15
Declan Wilson 1:06:23 1:01:53
Felix Pirie 1:03:35 1:03:05 First finisher
Philip Jermyn 1:03:35 1:03:05
Mike Christopherson 1:03:38 1:03:08
Etienne Blumstein-Jones 1:04:20 1:03:50
Will Lind 1:04:14 1:04:14
Rebecca Wiasak 1:09:41 1:05:11
Simon Claringbold 1:06:35 1:06:05
Sean Whitfield 1:08:35 1:06:05
Ailie McDonald 1:10:36 1:06:06
Josh Buchanan 1:10:44 1:06:14
Ben Long 1:10:46 1:06:16
Lee Sheather 1:12:50 1:06:20
Avi Vasudeva 1:09:18 1:06:48
Mark Gillett 1:08:23 1:07:53
Ross Macpherson 1:13:00 1:08:30
Tom Styman 1:15:06 1:08:36
Mick Jermyn 1:20:15 1:13:45
Allison Rice 1:21:19 1:16:49
John Warren 1:38:31 1:28:31
Ayla Rudgley DNF
Ben Comfort DNF
Laura Meadley DNF
What was the secret?? Naturally, many factors had to be considered – starting with the clubs’ grading lists, but also including the number of starters in each grade, recent results on TTs and road races, the nature of the course, contributions to the handicappers retirement fund, etc., etc. Chickens were slaughtered, entrails consulted and many cups of tea consumed so leaves could be read. Eventually a series of numbers were produced – not to be divulged until the last rider had crossed the finish line.
A crisp sunny morning greeted the 27 starters, who were sent off just after 10 am. By the time the riders went past Lookout Hill the first time a leading bunch had become with the chasers spread out in small groups behind. Finally the cry went up – riders coming! – and a fast finishing group was spotted. There was clearly a battle going on with riders trying to get a break on the bunch. The final uphill sprint was closely contested with Felix Pirie just edging out Philip Jermyn on the line, followed quickly after by Nuru Somi and Mike Christopherson, with Shane Farrant and Michael Rice close behind.
As the rest of the field came in, the calculations started. After much brow-furrowing and scratching out, the conclusion was: Nuru Somi first, with an adjusted time of 57:08; second was Adam Rudgley (57:29) and third Shane Farrant (1:01:11).
Congratulations to these riders and to all participants.
Many thanks to my marshalls Allan Bontjer, Tom Behrens and Shalan Bray, and a special huge thanks to Vanessa Essam (who wasn’t even rostered on!) for her invaluable advice and assistance in the lead up and on the morning of the race.
Detailed results below:
Name Time Adjusted time
Nuru Somi 1:03:38 0:57:08
Adam Rudgley 1:03:59 0:57:29
Shane Farrant 1:03:41 1:01:11
Michael Rice 1:03:45 1:01:15
Declan Wilson 1:06:23 1:01:53
Felix Pirie 1:03:35 1:03:05 First finisher
Philip Jermyn 1:03:35 1:03:05
Mike Christopherson 1:03:38 1:03:08
Etienne Blumstein-Jones 1:04:20 1:03:50
Will Lind 1:04:14 1:04:14
Rebecca Wiasak 1:09:41 1:05:11
Simon Claringbold 1:06:35 1:06:05
Sean Whitfield 1:08:35 1:06:05
Ailie McDonald 1:10:36 1:06:06
Josh Buchanan 1:10:44 1:06:14
Ben Long 1:10:46 1:06:16
Lee Sheather 1:12:50 1:06:20
Avi Vasudeva 1:09:18 1:06:48
Mark Gillett 1:08:23 1:07:53
Ross Macpherson 1:13:00 1:08:30
Tom Styman 1:15:06 1:08:36
Mick Jermyn 1:20:15 1:13:45
Allison Rice 1:21:19 1:16:49
John Warren 1:38:31 1:28:31
Ayla Rudgley DNF
Ben Comfort DNF
Laura Meadley DNF