Keith Thurgood Milang Classic Results
Keith Thurgood Milang Classic 2011 – 1st August 2011
The Payneham Cycling Club’s annual Keith Thurgood Milang Classic was staged this year on July 31st 2011 in ideal weather conditions for racing. Warm sunshine, sub 20 degree temperature and a sub gale wind, not the ones that often blasts off the lake in this region of South Australia.
A small limit bunch open proceedings at the front of the local bakery and proceeded to Langhorne Creek for the first preme sprint of the day. John Braithwaite (SHMCC) took the first of the prize money on offer for the day as the limit bunch continued to work together into the wind on the way to Belvidere and the turn for Milang with it’s tailwind. The large mostly 7 and 9.30 minute bunch had been working together very well and had the leaders in their sights on the run into Milang, but not before masters 8 rider Bob Baird (KCC) put in a sharp sprint at the Pier Hotel preme to take the money, followed by new rider Steve Morris (PACC). The large following bunch of about 30 riders now took the lead in the side winds adjacent to the lake, with the winds causing some splitting in the bunch with riders unable to find a place on the end of the echelon. The eventual winners were in this breakaway bunch and they continued to work the winds in a tight bunch. A second bunch formed a cou
ple of minutes back with the rest of the riders who were able to hold the pace, and they were then joined by most of the 5 minute riders at the second time through Langhorne Creek. The smaller group of fast boys from block and scratch were then chasing hard to close the gap to the two bunches in front of them.
The lead bunch put the hammer down after the turn at Belvidere and worked together to hold speeds of around 50 kphs to the Milang finish line. Winner Olav Marold (ACC – Clipsal Domain) as able to pull away on the small decent into the town, closely followed by David Slater (PACC) and Bill Drodge NCC – Clipsal Domain) the remainder of the bunch finished seconds back with Elizabeth Georgouras placing fifth and taking the first woman home money for the day.
The second chasing bunch also worked very hard on the way into Milang exceeding 50kph, but came up 5 seconds short with Angelo Anabaldi leading them home. Tom Baxter was the best of the block and scratch riders 7 seconds back.
Presentations look place at the Pier Hotel with Olav Marold and his fellow winners taking home the rewards for an event well raced. The Payneham Cycling Club would like to thank riders, officials and volunteers and sponsors for making this great day of racing, in a picturesque part of South Australia, a worthy tribute to past Payneham CC cycling legend Keith Thurgood.
The Payneham Cycling Club is a small but active group that has no racing members, but does have social members and the benefits of membership entitle you to compete for the first Payneham CC social member home in the Keith Thurgood Milang Classic. Membership is only $5 and you stand to win $100. Good value. If you would like to join this friendly bunch email Bill Oliver for a form. [email protected]
Major Sponsors: Barlow Shoes, Coopers Brewery, Caffe Allegria, and the Milang traders
Club Messages:
Next Race in the SA Masters Road Rider of the Year Award – Burra 100 Classic
GO RYDER!...
Why the hell do the organisers put a corner like that right before a stage finis...