Southland Sport
- Perfect conditions led to high speeds in the 102km Cycling Southland Memorial Race.
- Break and scratch bunches closed the gap as the race reached its final stages.
- Matt Zenovich claimed victory, with Sam Ritchie achieving the fastest time.
In ideal conditions, riders gathered for the annual Cycling Southland Memorial Race 2024, ready to tackle a challenging 102km course. Clear skies, light winds, and a series of small bunches made the race unpredictable, with a range of possible outcomes from the outset.
Starting at 11am from McQuarrie Street, the front markers took off, racing through the Gorge Road course. Throughout the day, break and scratch bunches maintained speeds of 45-55km per hour. Mid-course, as riders reached the undulating back section, including Letterbox Hill, the middle and front bunches kept up their pace, comfortably ahead of the chasing pack at the halfway point.
As the riders turned back towards the Gorge Road Country Club, fatigue began to take its toll. Groups began to break apart, with the combined break and second break bunch, along with the scratch bunch, gaining momentum. Despite being separated by nearly four minutes, the groups fiercely contested their own battles as they entered the final 30km of the race.
A group of front markers, including Neil Sutherland, Trevor McRae, and David Simpson, worked hard to maintain their lead. However, the pressure intensified as the Break/2nd break and scratch bunches closed in. By the time the riders reached Waimatua, the lead had changed hands, with the breakaway trio of Marshall Erwood, Sam Ritchie, and Josh Burnett surging ahead.
From Tisbury to the finish line back at McQuarrie Street, the final kilometres became a contest between the Break/2nd break bunch, led by Matt Zenovich and Luke MacPherson, and the scratch trio. In the last 2km, Zenovich launched his decisive move, crossing the line alone to secure victory. Just moments later, Eli Tregidga followed, finishing ahead of MacPherson, Liam O’Rourke, and Magnus Jamieson.
Sam Ritchie, part of the scratch bunch, claimed the fastest time honours, finishing just seconds ahead of his teammate Marshall Erwood.
The race organisers extended their thanks to the volunteers, families, and competitors for making the event a success, celebrating the many individuals who have contributed to the sport over the years.
Results:
- 1st: Matt Zenovich
- 2nd: Eli Tregidga
- 3rd: Luke MacPherson
- Fastest time: Sam Ritchie
- Murray McLeay Memorial Cup: Matt Zenovich
- Bunty Hewitt Trophy (First B Grader): Jamie Wilson
- Martin Verbeck Trophy (First C Grader): Neil Sutherland
Curtis Dunn Junior Memorial Race
The Curtis Dunn Junior Memorial Race was a success, thanks to generous sponsorship from Allan Dunn of Todd and Co Realty and Logan Anderson of Rolled Systems. Allan Dunn also delivered a safety briefing to ensure the junior riders were well-prepared before their start. A special thanks goes to Erin, Nicola, Megan, and Danny Shayler, who volunteered their time to help organise and manage the race.
U13 Results
1st - Hunter McIntyre
2nd - Harpur Shayler
3rd - Marnie Shayler
U15 Results
1st - Benjie Shayler + fastest time
2nd - Zach Hibbs
3rd - Jamie Russell
U17 Results
1st - Ollie Keast + fastest time
2nd - Ben Wyatt
3rd - Oskar McIvor