Sunday the 21^st of August was the day for the annual Stan Heritage Memorial Handicap Road Race. Stan Heritage was one of the early members of the Riverland Cycling Club and helped many young riders throughout his time within the club. He was also called up to race at two Olympic Games but unfortunately could not attend either. First call up he could not afford to attend and second call up the games were cancelled due to World War II. The club takes great pride in the Memorial handicaps and this event was no different with all riders giving 100% for the glory of victory.

To get racing underway the pairing of Mick Gray and Lee Rasheed were set off first. Eight minutes later was the largest field of the day with Terry and Clayton Bond, Clint Bambrick, Peter Burr and visiting Adelaide rider John Danvers. At the 8:30 mark was the lone scratch man of Lee Stevens and last to leave was Angelo Ylia and Ruth Strout with a 9-minute deficit but only required to complete 40km.

 At the start of the race Stevens chased hard to bridge the 30 second gap to the group in front of him, once together all riders joined in to keep the pace high. Unfortunately Terry Bond found the pace too much and retired from the race early. The remaining riders continued to set a cracking pace in the chase for the front runners. In front Gray and Rasheed continued to ride hard as did Ylia and Strout to try and hold off the chasing peleton. With 10 km remaining the main group joined forces with Rasheed and Gray with their aim to chase down Ylia and Strout. At five kilometres remaining Strout and Ylia were in sight and the main groupetto upped the pace to drag them in, but it was all to no avail. In the shootout at the front Strout was too strong for Ylia, with Ruth Strout claiming her maiden trophy race win after fifteen years of trying. 20 seconds later Clint Bambrick crossed the line to round out the podium. Junior rider Clayton Bond claimed fourth place and visiting Adelaide rider John Danvers was fifth. In sixth was Lee Rasheed with Lee Stevens in 7^th place and also claiming fastest time. Mick Gray was able to hold on for 8^th place with Peter Burr trailing in for Ninth place.

Sally Kroemer, granddaughter of Stan Heritage was on hand too present the winners with their trophies and medallions. Next week sees the Riverland Cycling Club head to Glossop for more handicapped road racing. For more information please visit www.riverlandcyclingclub.com.