04/10/2003
Saturday saw the running of the 3rd annual Baw Baw Classic, a Category 2 National Road Series event as well as a Victorian Championship event. Its challenge lies in the most demanding of road ascents, from Warragul to the pinnacle of Mt Baw Baw. Riders started with clear skies, no wind and forecast temperature in the 20’s and finished above the snow line in cold and misty conditions on top of Mt Baw Baw.
This year saw the introduction of a 3 o’clock cut off at the toll gates before the start of the last 6km 13 per cent average climb. Many who laughed at this time limit were broken by the legend of Baw Baw, unable to make it in time.
Simon Gerrans, a protege of Phil Anderson was the hot favourite for the men and with the late scratching of Jessica Ridder and Kathy Watt (injured), Zoe Southwell was a clear favourite for the women. Local riders Thomas Sandner and John Mackenzie were serious contenders for Masters and C grade categories.
After riding over half the race on a break away of 2 riders, Simon Gerrans rode the last 6 km in 30min 40sec to take out A grade. Zoe Southwell convincingly won the Women’s section. For the second year in a row Murray Spink was first to cross the line in B grade with team mates from Dirt Riders Brian Sing and Chris Winn rounding out the top 3, a sensational result for the boys that spend most of there time on MTB’s. Jason Pastor was the victor in C grade in the closest finish of the day over local rider John Mackenzie. With 3 Baw Baw Classics contested resulting in 3 wins, Ken Ford won the Masters and now has the Masters perpetual trophy named after him. At the end of the race riders and spectators congregated in the resort hotel where prizes and trophies were awarded by Councillor Ian Clark, thank you Ian.
Warragul cycling club rider Monique Hanley refused many offers for a lift to courageously finish the ride and is a definite entry for next years event. Other riders from the Warragul cycling club to complete the climb were; C grade – Jason Kruger, Scott Keeble and Tim Lee. Masters Thomas Sandner a great effort for 4th, Geoff Thomson, Ross Henry and arguably the most determined effort for day, Steve Evans took off his shoes and socks and pushed his bike for the last km’s of the climb.
Congratulations are in order for event organiser Chris Beales of Knobbysports who put this race together. A special thanks to the SES who assisted at intersections in town allowing a smooth and safe journey for cyclists and other road users. Many Warragul cycling club members also gave up there day to support the event driving support vehicles and marshalling corners, kom’s and sprints, thank you all.
Next years Classic will be held in April, this gives riders only 6 months to train or in some cases recover. Chris expects a bigger field to enter at this time of the year with riders in good form after a summer of racing.
