REGION - The fifteenth annual Ivan Howes memorial cycling race was held recently at the Concongella School Hall.
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The event was hosted by the Stawell-Great Western Cycling Club and it was a day for the brave, as the overcast and threatening weather played a part during the races.
In the 46-kilometre senior race, Rhonda Clark had traded her running shoes for cycling cleats and was first away, but by race end the lone ride and windy conditions had sent her backwards in the field.
Shirley Hetherington at the 24-minute mark, also set off alone, but near the end was caught by the 17-minute group of Bruce Hamilton, Peter Mayo and Alan Barnett.
Hetherington remained with them to the finish line, capping off a great ride in third place behind Mayo.
It was a gratifying win for Hamilton, who has seen his sons Lucas and Tom excel in recent years, and whose own name will now be added to the Ivan Howes perpetual shield.
Fastest time of the day went to Todd Satchell, while the backmarkers, including the Satchell brothers, Chris Kennett and Tony Mirabella made their presence felt, but it was the frontmarkers' day.
The 10-kilometre C grade race saw Jordie Argall claim victory and Murray Culling ride solidly into second place, with Alex van Opstal third. Alice Culling posted the fastest time.
Natalie and Patrick Wemyss rode in the two kilometre D grade race in rapidly improving form, with Patrick scoring fastest time and Natalie third place after winner Sophia van Opstal and second place getter Lara van Opstal.
Beryl Howes bestowed prizes donated by her family at the post-race afternoon tea. Ivan Howes was a founding member of the Stawell-Great Western Cycling Club.