Club Races
A Eureka Moment for Rod ...
Fyans Creek Handicap
Monday 13th June 2010

	Rod Heatherington

... but not much gold followed. In a closely fought finish, visiting Ballarat cyclist Rod Heatherington just held off local rider Dean Hayward to take out the Grampians Vets 44km handicap last Monday.

The race was held over the Fyans Creek course around Lake Lonsdale in cool but calm conditions.

Shirley Heatherington, riding off 19 minutes, led the field away, and kept her lead until the 30km mark when she was joined by 12 minute riders Meg Parnaby and John McIntyre.

Further back, 7 minute riders Alan Barnett, Stuart King, Damian Rabl and Peter Mayo rode solidly but were caught about half way by the 5 and a half minute riders Peter Parnaby, Tony Lloyd and Tony Rathgeber. These two bunches combined and charged after the leading riders, catching them about 8 kilometres from home.

Not far behind, 3 and a half minute riders Crystal Wemyss, Gerard O’Brien and Rod Heatherington were joined by 2 minute riders Drew Gray, Dean Hayward and Drew Heard, and were closing in on the larger bunch in front. Both bunches finally came together with about 3 kilometres to go.

In the final sprint, Rod Heatherington led the charge, and got a small break on Dean Hayward, just holding him out to clinch victory. Peter Parnaby crossed the line third.

The scratch riders Frank Kean, Sean Prins and Peter Wemyss could not find the fire power to close on the groups in front, and finished shortly after, with Prins taking out fastest time of 1 hour and 9 minutes.