Sixteen cyclists started the course that took them from a start and finish at HLSCC via loops around Beef Island and Little Mountain before heading up the torturous climb to the prison at Balsum Ghut. The descent down past Lambert Beach to East End Police station was technical in parts where the road is badly damaged, but all riders negotiated it without incident.

The riders then headed back for more torture and a second loop of Beef Island, Little Mountain and up the prison road climb again and then headed back to the finish at the college, a total distance of 22 miles with over 1,500 feet of elevation.

The cyclists started out at a steady pace but at the first loop of Beef Island a distinct lead group had formed. However, the first climb separated that group of riders with Gareth Thomas, Andrews, Rodriguez and Phillipe Leroy pulling ahead.

Thomas then dropped from the leaders after developing a flat a few miles from the finish and Anthony Spencer and Richard Morgan gave chase to the leaders followed by Sally Blackmore who had passed Hank Vergeer and Alastair Abrehart after which both decided to retire. Adrian Dale and Jim Cullimore rode steadily followed by Dara Smith, John Shirley and Mike Masters bringing up the rear.

At the final sprint up the college drive Rodriguez was heading for the win when his tyres lost grip on the metal grate and Andrews stole the lead with Leroy on his wheel, Rodriguez quickly recovered but was unable to catch in the very fast and exciting finish with only 100th's of a second between them. Andrews placed first in 1:25:42, Leroy second in 1:25:44 and Rodriguez third in 1:25:52. Blackmore took first female and Smith was second.

There was no cadets race at this event as the Club was without organizers, supporters and volunteers, despite the perfect setting the College provides. They do hope that the support will be back at the next event to enable them to continue the cadets series.

FULL RESULTS

1st Overall - Orano Andrews - 1:25:42 - 1st Expert 2nd Overall - Philippe Leroy - 1:25:44 - 1st Master 3rd Overall - Ricky Rodriguez - 1:25:52 - 2nd Expert 4th Overall - Tony Spencer - 1:31 - 1st Veteran 5th Overall - Richard Morgan - 1:38:08 - 3rd Expert 6th Overall - Gareth Thomas - 1:38:21 - 4th Expert 7th Overall - Sally Blackmore - 1:41 - 1st Female 8th Overall - Adrian Dale - 1:53 - 2nd Master 9th Overall - Jim Cullimore - 1:58 - 1st Senior Master 10th Overall - Dara Smith - 2:14 - 2nd Female 11th Overall - John Shiley - 2:25 - 3rd Master

12th Overall - Mike Masters 2:45 - 1st Grand Master