The Singapore Road Cycling Championships were held over the weekend of 25-26 June 2011. Due to illness during the lead up to the race I couldn’t compete. I was a little disappointed but it did mean I could shoot instead. Once again Team Cannasia-Cannondale had entered a well prepared team of various strengths and were looking for the win in the Elite Men’s cat. Gabi was on her own in the Elite Women’s cat and she had her work cut out for her as her main competition consisted of three of the best women cyclists in Singapore.
The Individual Time Trial was held on the Saturday and the Road Race on Sunday. Rob Hensby was the only Cannasia-Cannondale member to race the ITT but he put in a huge effort to come home 4th whilst trying to save his legs for the road race the next day.
Cannasia-Cannondale had a tough job ahead of them in the road race with two or three other teams looking for the win. As usual, the OCBC boys attacked from the gun and kept this up the entire race. Cannasia did a sterling job covering most of these attacks and continually showed a strong presence at the front of the peloton controlling the race. With about two laps remaining Tim Wilkins and a young OCBC rider took advantage of a lull in the pace and attacked. With a surge of speed the two riders quickly gapped the peloton and raced away to the finish. Tim used his road racing experience to out smart the OCBC rider to take the win.
Gabi rode intelligently and saved her legs for the final sprint finish. With Dinah Chan and Serene Lee pulling away from the peloton in the last 500m it was up to Gabi to sprint for 3rd place. She crossed the line with ease a couple of bike lengths ahead of her competitors. Overall a successful day for Cannasia-Cannondale with a 1st and 3rd placings.
You can read the race reports here. http://cannasia.com/news/victory-singapore-national-cycling-championships-2011 and http://cannasia.com/news/singapore-national-cycling-championship-open-women-race-report
Rob giving it his all in the ITT.
Tim making the young OCBC rider earn his National Champions Jersey.
Tim Wilkins takes the win.
Here are some of the other champions: Matthew Kinch (Sport), Anders Jarfors (Masters), and Dinah Chan (Open Women)
Pete ‘Petal’ Bennett finished his race a bit worse for wear. He landed on his head in a flower garden during a pile up on the last corner. But he still finished! Well done Pete.