18/04/2009
Warragul Cycling Club hosted the start of the 9th Annual Baw Baw Cycle Classic on Saturday. This race is rapidly developing into one of Victoria’s premier cycling challenges. This year a record 220 riders entered in the race. The race starts in Warragul then heads to Shady Creek, Neerim South via Mizpab- Settlement Road, Neerim Junction, Noojee and then up to Mt Baw Baw; A total distance of 103 km.The final 6 km from the ticket box at Baw Baw to the top of the Mountain is rated as one on the toughest climbs in the world. The average gradient is 13% with some sections as steep as 20%. This is lung busting, leg sapping terrain that tests even the fittest riders.
Warragul Cycling Club was well represented with Kane Walker riding in A grade, James Henry in B grade, Callan Barker in C grade, Shane Stiles in the Masters 1 category and Geoff Thomson and Thomas Sander in the Masters 5 category.
Kane rode well in A grade joining a group of 4 riders who broke away from the peloton on the run up to Neerim Junction. These four managed to stay away until 5km from the finish. At this point the true mountain climbers took over. The road is so steep here that riders struggle to keep their speed above 12 km/h. Crossing the line first was Nathan EARLE from the Hobart wheelers cycling club.
Geoff Thomson and Shane Stiles also finished in the top 5 in their respective masters age groups. Callan Barker was looking good in C grade, until a broken spoke down Vespers Hill saw an extended wait for a spare.
The Warragul cycling club would like to thank all club members who supported the race. Particular thanks go to Club President Neil Walker and race director Karen Jones. It was also great to see local businesses like Warragul Nissan and the Baw Baw Shire provides some financial support for the race.
Next year will be the 10th running of the race and judging by the feedback from this year’s participants the race will continue to grow in popularity and status.
