Peaks Challenge 2015: Conquered

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After months of training and preparation, more than 1,800 eager riders rolled up to the start line in the frosty dawn for Peaks Challenge Falls Creek 2015.

Conditions were cool but still, with the promise of a sunny day to come as the riders set out down the Falls Creek descent. By 7:15 all riders were on their way. Lanternes Rouge, Liz and Ryan, crossed the start line and the 13 hour count down began.

Setting a cracking pace, the first bunch of riders reached the base of Tawonga Gap just after 7:30am, with all riders on the climb by 8:34 am. Tawonga Gap is the first and smallest of the three peaks, but covering 498 vertical metres in 7.6km with an average gradient of 6.5%, it’s a early wake-up call to the challenge that lies ahead. The first rider crested the peak at 7:56 am. The quickest rider conquered the climb in 23:35 mins, and the average climb time was 32:47 mins—both just a hair quicker than in 2014 when the best individual time was 23:49 mins and the average 33.03 mins.

lanternes rougeAfter collecting their valet food bags and refuelling with Hydralyte and Winners Bars at Harrietville, the riders took on the second peak: Mount Hotham. With 1,322 vertical metres of climbing over 30km, and a 4.2% average gradient, Hotham is a long, hard slog. The quickest rider made it to the top in 1:22:48 hours, just shy of 1:22:16 hours, the best time in 2014. However, the average climb time came in at 2:02:51, almost four minutes ahead of the 2014 average of 2:06:32.

After cresting Hotham and with two peaks under their belts, the riders enjoyed a much earned rest and lunch at Dinner Plain. But they weren’t out of the saddle for long; with the Lanternes Rouge close on their heels, they were eager to get back on the road to Omeo.

Meanwhile the first bunch were streaking ahead and powering up the final climb: Falls Creek. With 1,322 vertical metres of climbing over 35km with a 4.6% average gradient, Falls Creek is a final assault on the legs and lungs. Fortunately, the Subaru Australia team were waiting at Trapyard Gap,with bananas and icy cold cans of Coke to give the riders a final energy boost and get them over the finish line.

First across the line was Andrew Bryant from Caulfield North, claiming a new Peaks Challenge record with a time of 7:31 hours. Well done, Andrew!

There were many weary smiles as 90% of riders crossed the finish line throughout the afternoon and early evening to make the 13 hour deadline. A big congratulations to all the riders who took on Peaks Challenge Falls Creek 2015. Rest up, recover and we’ll see you in August for Peaks Challenge Gold Coast.

 

 

See more photos from the event on Bicycle Network’s Flickr.

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One thought on “2”

  1. Hi Congratulations on another great community cycling event. The event is flawless, however your summary saddens me in that you did not even acknowledge the truly amazing ride by the first female across the line. Tanya Freschi in an outstanding time of 8:21. In years gone past this time would have almost won the event! I understand this is a participation event and there are no ‘winners’ as such but why mention the fastest man in that case. Please amend your summary to give credit to this exceptional ride by a woman!
    Yours sincerely
    Tani Ruckle

  2. Hi Tani,
    thanks for your comment and pointing out Tanya’s amazing ride! Given we’re on a short time frame to turn around these posts after an event it can be difficult to gather all the required info re: rider times. However, we’re always happy to take this kind of feedback on board – especially since we have another two Peaks Challenges coming up! Watch this space 🙂

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