The Battle on the Border lived up to its name, as Gill, Harry and Ian found out!

 

The Mens Tour consisted of a 8km Time Trial, 85km "Rapid" Road Race, 112 "Epic" Road Race, and 45 min criterium.   The Women completed the 8km Time Trial, 66km "Rapid" Road Race, 70km "Epic" Road Race, and 25 min  criterium.

 

Harry arrived at the Tour carrying a severe case of Rock-flu.  He put on a brave face, despite coughing and sneezing all weekend. 

 

The Saturday morning Time Trial was run over an interesting course.  It featured two hills, a wooden bridge, and slippery wet roads.   Racing for the guys kicked off at 7am sharp, the local temp about 6 degrees and fog!  Gill started at a much more sociable time of 8.30.

 

After getting through the Time Trials in mid field, the guys regrouped for the afternoon Road Races.   5 laps of the Old Pacific Hwy at Murwillumbah was a testing course.   Harry and Ian hung in with the main bunch, although Ian was taken down by a fallen rider in the last 2km.   Luckily he managed to throw himself under the Viner to save any marks on the paintwork.   It was a perfect copy of the previous weekend where he performed the same manuever in the handicap race at Yeppoon.   Gill suffered from dehydration, but put in a huge effort to come in shortly after the main field.

 

Sunday's Road Race started in Tumbulgum and for the Men included the previous days course.  There was also a climb of 2km @ 15% around mid race.  The field split on the Old Pacific Hwy after a break of four U19 riders made several minutes on the main field.   On the return trip the heavens opened drenching the field and visibility very poor.   Harry attempted several times to bridge across to the break but was unable to make it stick.  He ended up well placed in the lead bunch, Ian came in with the second bunch 10 minutes later.   Gill put in her best effort over the weekend, narrowly missing a podium place, taking 5th position.

 

The Criterium on Monday was held at the Salt Resort around a 600m course.  The course featured a tight S Bend at the end of the start finish straight which required good bike handing skills to negotiate.  Gill was up first and again put in a great effort against some very experienced opposition to finish 7th.   The boys did not fair as well with the pace being on from the opening whistle.  A fall half way through the race split the field, making it a race of about 15 riders.   In the end Cameron Jennings of Budget Forklifts took out the Criterium, with Steven George of Fly V Australia took the overall race win.

 

All in all it was a very tough weekend, with each rider taking away valuable experience from racing at this level.