Sally Carter's unique treble in classic race
SALLY Carter made cycling history when becoming the first female winner of the Tom Lowry Memorial road race.
Carter completed the 100 kilometre event in a time of 2 hours, 34 minutes and 8 seconds.
A bright cool morning had welcomed competitors and organisers at the Collie Motorplex as they prepared for the 80th edition of the race.
This year’s event had a new race format, with a graded handicap instead of the usual separate graded events.
The D grade set off at 11.30am, with a 10-minute lead on the C grade.
The C grade, however, wasted no time and had caught D grade within the first lap of the 50 kilometre circuit.
The B grade started some 13 minutes behind the C grade, and struggled to make up time, as the C and D grade combination set a very fast pace.
The A grade started 15 minutes after the B grade, working hard to chase the lead riders down. However, they were unable to make up the difference, finishing 21 minutes behind the winners.
In her history-making ride, Carter landed a great treble, not only winning the overall event, but also finishing first in the C grade, and being the fastest female rider.
Kurt Leitch finished second and third place went to Kate Bonner.
The fastest overall time went to A grade rider Jack Dohler, at 2 hours 13 minutes and 53 seconds.
The first 11 A grade riders were separated by just three seconds, showing the intensity of the chase.
Club president Mark Paget said the Collie Cycle Club was very grateful of the support received from the Mining and Energy Union, Premier Coal and the Collie Motorplex. “Many thanks are also extended to all of our volunteers, who do so much to help in the lead up to and on the day of the event,” added Mr Paget.