19/04/2008
It was a great day for the 2008 Mt Baw Baw cycling classic but the weather did not ease the pain of the final 6 km on the mountain. Over 190 riders left Warragul and most made it to the top but even the elite A grade riders slowed to less than 10km per hour as the murderous 20% gradient of some sections of the climb took their toll.
In A grade it was promising Under 23 rider Daniel BRAUNSTEINS from Hawthorn Cycling Club who took the title. He rode the 97 km in 3:12:29. This is an average of just over 30km per hour. Second was David PELL from Bendigo & District CC and third was Daniel FURMSTON from Hobart. This shows how far cyclists are prepared to travel to take on Mt BawBaw. Carlee TAYLOR from the Norwood Cycling Club took out the open womens race.
Local Warragul CC riders were well represented as well. In B grade James Henry finished a creditable 7th of 34 riders and Kane Walker came in 10th.
In the Masters categories Warragul riders also excelled. Tim Lee came in third in the Masters 1 classification. Luke Hanley finished second and Shane Stiles third in the Masters 2 category. Geoff Thomson finished second to Latrobe Valley rider Roland Elsdon in the Masters 5 classification.
Congratulations to all riders who made it to the top. Just completing the race is a tremendous achievement
