Club Races
Lang Takes out Fyans Creek Handicap
Fyans Creek Rd Handicap - Sunday 21st October 2007

A warm, moderate, north westerly wind greeted the 14 riders who lined up for the start of the 45km Fyans Creek Handicap, a good turn out considering many of the regular riders were at that very moment burning rubber in the "Around the Bay in a Day".

Limit riders Danny Monaghan, Les Power and Frank Stokes, riding off 11 minutes, worked together until 6kms from the finish line when they were joined by 6 minute riders, Harvey Lang, Tania Walter and Dean Hayward. Lang showed great strength on the flat sections of the race, complimenting the work of Hayward who glided effortlessly up the hills.

Meanwhile, the 2 minute riders, Frank Kean, Alan Barnett, Drew Heard and Tim Schneider were travelling well.  Kean, who has been training extensively through the Grampians for the up coming Mt William Classic, helped power the bunch along. Schneider also continues to improve each week, so on this occasion they were able to keep scratch rider Ian Blackie at bay.

By the time the 2 minute riders descended from McCracken's Hill they could see all the riders in the distance. They caught 4 minute riders Richard Clark, Tony Lloyd and Daryl Elliott 6kms from home. The combined 2 and 4 minute bunches worked together well but could only make up ground on the combined 11 and 6 minute bunch.

Click to enlarge

Left to right - Dean Hayward, Harvey Lang, Danny Monaghan

Up front Lang was still powering along with Hayward, virtually towing the limit group home. Monaghan joined the working group in the final kilometres to help stave off the following group which were 200 metres behind them when they launched into the sprint finish. Lang crossed the line first, with Monaghan second and Hayward third.

Ian Blackie clock the fastest race time of 1:09:34. The next best time was 1:10:17 from Frank Kean and Tim Schneider.