Spokes Cycle Club opens road racing season as riders enjoy low-key start to season

Spokes Cycle Club opened its Road Racing season for 2023 as riders warmed up with the 32.4km 2VNet Moonyoonooka-Narra Tarra Return.

In what serves as an entry-level event that eases competitors into the season and allows for novices to experience road racing, riders were welcomed with good conditions on Sunday morning.

Low winds and a cool day meant many stayed together for the majority of the course with the riding atmosphere being predominantly one of camaraderie, with some of the more experienced cyclists guiding and helping newer members.

However, there was still a race to be won with two small but formidable climbs proving to be key.

It split the riders into smaller groups with the second climb setting up an 8km flat sprint to the finish as riders wanted to test themselves towards the end.

Wayne Denton was first to complete the hilly course ahead of Shaun Dynan from a big lead group, with Sara Armitage the first female to finish and third rider overall.

“I just wanted to push hard and see if Denton would crack in case I could get ahead of him” said Dynan.

Others said they were pleased to remind themselves that the event was about participation and they could relax a little knowing there were no prizes on offer.

Spokes’ next event is the Nabawa 50/50 on Sunday May 21 with registrations now open at https://entryboss.cc/races/14589.