Club Races
Shirley Slogs out Solo Win
Fyans Creek Mother's Day Handicap
Sunday 9th May 2010

	Shirley Hetherington

Ballarat cyclist Shirley Hetherington put in a tough solo ride to take out the Grampians Vets Mother's Day Handicap, held last Sunday around the 44km Fyans Creek circuit.

Part of a small bunch of visiting riders from the Ballarat Eureka Club, Hetherington rode off the limit mark of 25 minutes, acting as the hare for the rest of the field to chase.

The light northerly winds were to her advantage, and by the half way mark she was still well ahead of 13 minute riders John McIntyre and Karen James.

Further back 4 minute riders Tony Rathgeber, Alan Barnett and Rod Hetherington looked to have the 7 minute riders Peter James, Les Power and Meg Parnaby well in their sights. However, the scratch riders Dean Hayward, Drew Heard, Danny Monaghan and Sean Prins were also going well, having made up over half their deficit on the 4 minute bunch in front.

At McCrackenÕs Hill, with 12 kilometers to go, the scratch, 4 and 7 minute riders all came together. This combined bunches gathered momentum, setting out after the leading riders, and with 2 kilometers to go, reeled in a tiring McIntyre and Karen James, but Shirley Hetherington was still no where in sight.

Hetherington kept up her pace to the finish, crossing the line well clear of the chasing field.

Dean Hayward won the bunch sprint for second place, also taking out fastest time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Danny Monaghan was third, followed by Drew Heard.

Photos from the day - Click images to see a larger version.