With riders returning from their vacations, the Riyadh Wheelers resumed their season with two races which resulted in two winners, one expected and one perhaps not.
The 80K RR followed a now familiar pattern, Thierry Mathy using his power to break away from a large group who seemed to show little interest to chase the lone Belgian and were content to hold him at 500 meters for the entire race. Norberto Daa made a bold move toward the latter stages and although not making the junction to Mathy, did hold off the charging pack as they wound up for the sprint.
A touch of wheels on the last corner put two of the pre-race favorites, Pascal Cudey and Bruno Syfrig, out of the reckoning, leaving Kris Ahlin to take third ahead of the established sprinters, led by Edwin Seneres. The effect of off-form riders, punctures, mechanical problems, crashes and others going off course opened the door to some of those who don’t often get a chance to break into the top 10 and collect valuable points. The other event was a 25 mile time trial, held in freezing conditions and was not a day for the faint hearted. Showing superb form and speed, Jiri Kuba topped the field and became only the second Senior category rider to win a RW event. Said Kuba, “Since getting my TT bike, my road form has suffered as I now prefer to train for TT’s as the bike is so good to ride.” Carrefour Le Mall again provided the refreshments which were appreciated and enjoyed by all.
Results 1 T.Mathy, 2 B. Daa, 3 K.Ahlin, 4 E.Seneres, 5 G.Morete, 6 J.Kuba, 7 S.Gillespie, 8 J.Villalobos, 9 A.Maniago, 10 G.Guanlao, 11 B.Syfrig, 12 P.Cudey, 13 M.Ball, 14 S.Waight, 15 P.McParland, 16 R.Minarro, 17 S.Jenkins, 18 D.Wright, 19 B.Girven, 20 C.Johnson, 21 A. MacLaughlan, 22 G.Lawrie, 23 K.Pickles, 24 K.Bowers, 25 A.Cuesta, 26 M.Gauval, 27 F.Nevola, 28 J.Sunga, 29 P.Foster, 30 K.Walsh, 31 T.Williams, 32 M.Hesketh, 33 C.Brown, 34 D.Pottinger, 35 E.Lando, 36 J.Gresback, 37 J.Javier, 38 M.Lincoln, 39 F.Al Hammoud, 40 M.Garth, 41 C. Moreles, 42 J.Cordial, 43 R.Flores, 44 M.Webb, 45 P.Green, 46 R.Bitong, 47 D.Oliver, 48 V.Mathy, 49 ?, 50 G.Zondach, 51 M.Araujo, 52 J-M.Saluta, 53 A.Garcia, 54 D.Johnson, DNF R.Catoneon, A.Bahaa, M.Suckling, F.Requillo, T.Mahfoaz.
Categories: Open Norberto Daa, Veteran Thierry Mathy, Master George Morete, Senior Jiri Kuba, CAT B Veronique Mathy
Mathy, Kuba emerge winners in RW races
