Nine Orana Veterans were joined by two Narromine Vets members for a trip to the Australian Veterans Cycling Championships in Canberra last weekend.
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All riders compete in age divisions, rather than bunch or handicap races and despite the increase in standard this year managed to come home with a handful of medals.
The time trial was held over a hilly 25kms on Friday morning. In their respective age divisions Evan Elliott and Darrell Wheeler took out first place and gold medals, while Kathy Furney toughed it out to get third and a bronze medal in her division.
The fastest rider in this event, who was in the 35-39 age bracket, came over the finish line in 34 minutes and 53 seconds, which averages at over 43km/h.
Despite missing out on medals Jeff Sergeant, Raphael Chapman, David Menzies and Keith Harris all had strong rides in this event.
The criterium was held on Saturday in hot conditions, at Stromlo Forest Park, which has a dedicated criterium course.
Again in age groups, Darrell Wheeler had a tough sprint to the line to take first place and gold.
Raymond Wheeler rode a good race to take out second and a silver medal.
Amber Carter was competing in her first criterium and put in a great performance to also finish second and get her first silver medal.
Max Newton kept up with the pace and finished fifth in his division.
Maurie Ashford crashed out on one of the tight corners on the bell lap.
Ashford had been riding well and looked a medal contender before the crash.
All riders lined up in their age groups for the road race on Sunday.
Age divisions raced different distances with Raymond Wheeler having to finish 90km over an undulating course in windy conditions.
Despite riding hard and being in all the breaks Wheeler was just beaten on the line, and had to be content with a silver medal.
Amber Carter and Catriona Jennings had to ride 60kms with Carter taking third and bronze and Jennings very pleased to finish the event in the tough conditions.
Max Newton was in the medals in his age group coming in third.
Darrell Wheeler raced over 42kms and despite being held up at the finish, was able to storm into second place and a silver medal.
Evan Elliott rode his usual steady race and took out second, while Kathy Furney finished third in her division.
This was the only event Dana Harris competed in, so she was very pleased to take third and a bronze medal in her division.
Although out of the medals David Menzies, Keith Harris, Raphael Chapman and Jeff Sergeant all rode strong races , and were happy with their performance in their strong age groups.
Darrell and Evan also received awards for the most meritorious performance in their age groups during the weekend and Darrell also finished third in the Russell Mockridge competition.
