Classic!

The face of the Classic.

St Albans was blanketed in fog early Sunday morning. The usually quiet hamlet was already abuzz with mountain bikes, gliding in and out of view through the mist. It was that time of year when the township plays host to "The Classic", choose your option of either 50km or the 100km.

The only guy I know with a Foe, nice one Richard!

Participants were all busy getting themselves ready. I caught up with big Troy Glennan and little Gordo of Rockstar Racing before they began their warm-up. They were quietly confident about breaking the 4hr mark for themselves this year in the 100km. The whole Team had turned up for the event and included Mr Elliot and recent addition Mr Lewis. Last years winner of the 100km Mr English had entered the event and sources revealed he pulled out from the race the day before. This left the door open for last years runner up Mr Flemming to possibly take the title.

Mr Elliot and Mr Flemming in pre-race banter.

In the elite woman Katrin Van der Spiegel was back again to show her dominance at endurance events. Joining Katrin were numerous top riders including Zoe King and Kath Bicknell.

That climb at 10km.

The track was in good condition, light rain recently had dampened any dust and had left a tacky layer over many sections of the course. Graders had been through parts of the trail including the first main climb at 10km. The climb continued to be achievable for some riders and was slightly damp with loose sections over the compact base, with many of the shady sections of the track continued the slightly damp theme. Back on top and in the direct sun the track dried out quickly and most of the downhill parts of the course remained loose and occasionally rocky.

The big news was Pete Hatton continued his dominance over Gordo to take the title with Mr Flemming rounding up the podium 3:57:46, 3:57:47, 4:00:30 respectively. Zoe King comfortably took the female title while down the road a bit Kath Bicknell played a roll in helping an injured rider.

Dion Blair 4:35 and prediction is a top spot at the next Chocolatefoot Series.

Away from the pointy end of the field riders were making their own personal achievements. Mick Smith, long time volunteer, first time 100ker, went on in a competitive field to hammer out a 5:40. His next challenge is the Rockytrail/WSMTB 12hr. The 200km mark is in his sights.

Mick Smith, race face.

I got the pleasure of riding with the final 50km entrant to finish, Anthony Collins. When we came across Tony he was more than 15km from the end and when asked how he was doing, the comment was short and expletive. We again caught up with Anthony just kilometers from the finish, 100km riders whizzed past us and we walked up one of the final hills. He explained this wasn’t his first attempt at the 50km, he tried last year and only made it half way up the first major hill at 10km before deciding that it was all to much and turning back the way he had come. The driving force at this point was that beer that he was going to be handed, just minutes down the road. At the top of the rise he straddled his sturdy steed and peddled the remaining couple of k. Anthony went on to finish his first 50km in 5:09.

The edge tread continues to rip itself from the casing, no issues yet............