IN a spirited display of competition and camaraderie, Chapel Hill Road was the site of an individual time trial that brought together 13 enthusiastic participants from the local cycling club.

Despite the smaller turnout, the event highlighted the club's commitment to fostering a diverse range of age categories and abilities, making for an inclusive and exciting atmosphere.

The weather on race day was nearly perfect for racing: partly cloudy skies and a comfortable 17 degrees Celsius, though competitors faced a challenging SSW wind that tested their resolve after the turnaround.

With staggered starts set at one-minute intervals, each cyclist had the chance to battle against the clock and themselves, a hallmark of the individual time trial format.

Participants pushed through the course, which spanned almost 11 km, with many competitors remarking on the mental toughness required when racing solo.

“In this type of race, there’s nowhere to hide,” one competitor noted.

“It’s all on you to keep your legs turning and push yourself to the finish.”

Local cyclist Craig Wilson was particularly enthusiastic about the event, showcasing all the time trial gear and creating a festive atmosphere.

Darren Bakker also added to the camaraderie with his possibly unintentional vocal encouragement at the finish line, rallying support for those crossing the line.

When the dust settled and the results were tallied - after applying the handicapping that accommodates the varied age categories and abilities - Judi Duke claimed the top spot, followed closely by Micala Jacobs in second and Jarrah O’Brien in third (welcome to MMBCC racing Jarrah!) The results demonstrated not only individual achievement but also the club's spirit of friendly competition.

As always, a big thank you was extended to the volunteers who served as Commissaire, timing officials, and marshals, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the event.

Their dedication is vital in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

Looking ahead, the next event on the calendar is a Handicap race that promises to challenge riders with a 32 kilometre course taking them out Whitfield Road to Sawpit Gully Road, and on to Barwite Road, finishing on Graves Road.

Meet us at Botanic Park from 6pm to cheers on the starters.