Perfect autumn weather greeted cyclists at the annual Greenall Memorial Race on Saturday, with Sequoia Cooper capitalising on the conditions and fast bunches to take the win.
The 65km handicap race saw six bunches spread out over the Taieri Plain course which included the Berwick Hill. Sections of new seal and loose gravel proved the most challenging features.
The middle bunch of eight was particularly well organised and the women within that bunch pushed the pace from the outset.
Triathletes Tamsyn Hayes and Katie Menzies, along with track cyclist Elyse Fraser and Cooper, kept the heat on all the way, picking up riders from the group six minutes ahead, making a formidable bunch heading into the home straight on Dukes Rd.
With a straight, flat finish, the sprinters in the group made their move 100m from the line, with New Zealand team member Cooper taking the win from club stalwart Kevin Thomson.
Fraser was third, followed by Steve Rollason, Nick Beekhuis and Steve Grant, with Hayes and Menzies picking up the minor placings. Reta Trotman posted the fastest female time and Brad Evans the fastest male time.
At the clubrooms, Brian Greenall was remembered as a hard worker on the bike and a loyal club member. The Greenall family, who have supported this race for many years, also donated a spot prize for the first rider over Berwick Hill, collected by Wayne Green from the limit mark.
Riders are now preparing for the Shiel Hill Classic on Saturday which culminates in a steep climb from Portobello to Highcliff Rd.
