Yanchep National Park Challenge Saturday 12th January 2013
The inaugural Yanchep National Park
Challenge was conducted as a first time event by new club Northern Beaches
Cycling Club. Despite being an untried
and untested Criterium course, it was embraced by the Cycling WA community,
with well over a hundred participants and a sizeable crowd of spectators. The
natural setting and the club’s own DJ added to the atmosphere.
The unique, picturesque, closed circuit in
the Yanchep National Park offered a tight technical loop with a hill climb and
descent every 1.4km. The circuit required constant vigilance for attempted
breakaways, and there was no hiding in the peloton as the field began to
stretch early in each and every grade. Positioning was also important as the
circuit included a tight, final left corner, ahead of a 150 metre straight
finish.
With Graded races from A through to F
Grade, the Yanchep National Park Challenge encouraged many to have their first
attempt at Criterium style riding and racing.
It turned out to be a baptism of fire, as many elite A grade riders described
it as the toughest Criterium course in WA.
The A grade event, was well supported by
many teams, including Satylist Giant, GDT, Eddy Hollands Bicycle Services, and
the OCBC Singapore Racing Team. In a
tight finish, Henry Morley (Satylist Giant) took out the challenge ahead of Brendon
Meney (GDT) and Craig Cooke (Satylist Giant).
Liz Leyden (Roues Chaudes Cycling Club) took out the A Grade women’s
title.
Presentations were well attended
immediately after at the adjacent historic Yanchep Inn.
On behalf of Northern Beaches Cycling Club
I would like to thank the Cycling WA community, teams and clubs, for wholly
embracing our entry into competitive cycling. The support of Midland Cycle Club
and Northern Districts Cycling club, in running the event on the day, was of
great help. The early commitment of GDT,
Satylist Giant, and Brad Hall training, together with backing by the clubs gave
us the confidence that the event would be a success. I am sure to remember a
dozen more names of people to thank after this report, but special mention to
Joe Cox, Claire Hodges (MCC), Pete Hayward (NDCC), Janet White, Alan Marsh,
Andrew Jackson, Simon Proud, Claire Skea, and Toby Hodges for their help and
support.
The Northern Beaches Cycling Club is fortunate
to have a large group of enthusiastic volunteers who generously committed to a
‘field of dreams’. We aim for the
Yanchep National Park Challenge to become a premier event on the cycling
calendar. We will cap numbers per grade
to suit the course layout so get in early and don't miss out!
Chris Howard
President
Northern Beaches Cycling Club
www.northernbeachescycling.com
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