Charles Coin Memorial Race

The Charles Coin Memorial race has been a happy hunting ground for the team in recent years, and with a strong team representing, the team was confident more success was possible. The 130km race started with an amazing solo break by Graeme Rose.

After approximately 5km, Graeme was involved with some early attacking, where he ended up getting away from the bunch by himself. For about 40km, Graeme surged away from the bunch and maintained a nice gap from the bunch. This strong move allowed the rest of the team to wait in the wings and follow the counter moves later in the race.

Once Graeme was eventually caught, more attacks began to occur, with Matt, Ben Chambers and Ben Cook all having ago off the front.

Finally, with about 50km to go, Dan McCulloch got himself into a 4 man break away. With Dan in the front group, the rest of the boys were able to sit back and see what happened. Meanwhile, the front group worked well together and managed to get a two and a half minute lead on the bunch and were certain to take the podium spots.

Into the final lap, the attacks began in the front group, with Mal Rudolph and Mark Laspina breaking clear. Dan and Liam McCarthy set about chasing the two riders up front, but weren't able to get back across. Dan was able to take 3rd place, while Mal Rudolph (Drapac) took the win.

Photos of the race can bee seen here. 

Cunningham Classic

This years Cunningham Classic included a number of very good riders, and was set to be one of the best editions ever. The weather was perfect, with just the right amount of wind present to make things interesting over the 171km course.

The race started as per usual, with a break away trying to get the KOM at 41km. This year, it was one rider away solo who stayed away to take the points. Once the KOM was passed, the real action started.

Leading into the first feed, the cross winds started to play their role, with many teams trying to take advantage of the wind. For several kilometres the cross winds meant that the race for many was cut short. Through this section, the team rode well to stay at the front and ensure a full team was present for the second half of the race.

After the first feed, there was 30km of head wind, that allowed a break of two riders get away. With TDU controlling the race, the break never gained more than 2 minutes, and were brought back once we turned for home.

As the race turned towards home, with 70km to go, the real attacks began. James Miller started to get amongst the action, but the group didn't want to let anything go. However, for more than 30km there were constant attacks, but still nothing got away.

Coming into the final 40km, the race headed east, and the wind had picked up. For almost 20km, the cross winds battered the field, and finally a break of 4 riders broke clear. Thankfully, our form rider Ben Cook made the split and allowed the rest of the team to wait for the finale.

As the front group came into the finish, Ben had an attack on the final hill of the day, 2km from home. Despite his best efforts, his break away companions counter attacked, where Ben held on to take 4th place. Anthony Collins had the power to take a great win.

Again with 2km to go, Matt counter attacked the moves being made in the chase group, and managed to slip off the front with Jayden Copp. The two stayed away, where Matt out sprinted Jayden to take 5th.

The team showed great patience to wait until the right time, to make our moves, where we we rewarded with some great results.

Check out some great photo's here at ESI Sports Photography