This race is a 60km interclub handicap event, held in memory of the promising young rider, Dean Carter, who was tragically killed in an accident whilst on a training ride.

Fourteen Griffith Cycle Club members lined up in honour of this fine young rider, whose memory has been kept alive by his father and club life member, Jake Carter. Jason Minato was most proud to be competing his 23rd race and his 20th consecutive race start.

The riders were greeted with a steady and cool south westerly wind. Whilst the outward bound leg, heading towards Rankin Springs would be quick, no records were going to be broken.

The field of 45 riders was split into five bunches, Griffith CC were represented through bunches two to five, including Club Champion Malcolm Blake in bunch 2, Club President Craig Tilston and Mitch Harrison in bunch 3, the in-form Grant Elwin and Peter Stockwell in bunch 4, and making their Riverina debuts on limit were Adrian Piccoli and the ever improving Ros Nugan.

The time spread between the five bunches was a narrow 16 minutes from limit to scratch. Chopping block had 1.5 minute start on scratch, bunch 3 were on five minutes and bunch 4 were on 7.5 minutes. The pace was on from the start, with bunch 3 catching bunch 4, some 5 km from the turn around.

This made a formidable bunch of 25 riders. Scratch and Block had also combined to establish a fair sized chase bunch. Limit were in trouble as they were caught 2km before the sprint on the return leg. Brad Wild powered up the hill to take the sprint from a valiant attempt by Steve Bertoldo to take this prize.

The combined bunch 3 and 4 had reduced to about 15 riders by the time the bunch reached Myall Park. Scratch/ Block were steadily making ground at this point.

Bunch 3 were looking good for the win, alas with only 500 meters to go scratch caught the bunch and were in position make the sprint.

Tolland power house Peter Treloar was to strong and took the victory, recording a time of 1 hr 20 minutes and 11 seconds. He was followed by club mates Myles Stewart and Brodie Pearse. First local was Malcolm Bake in 9th position.

The woman’s division had enhanced interest with the prize money being matched to the men by the sponsorship of Bertoldo’s Bakery. Alice Debney took first place, second Kylie Johnson and third Jenni Massey from Griffith CC.

A great day was had by all and Jake Carter and members of the Carter family were on hand to present the prizes.