Cycling caravan rolls into town

CYCLISTS in the Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland rolled out of the Leongatha Recreation Reserve for Stage Two of the race on Thursday on a perfect spring morning on what Lakes Oil liaison officer, Bob Thompson described as the highlight of the tour.
This stage would take the riders on a 110km route over the Strzelecki Ranges to Yinnar.
Leongatha cyclist Stuart Smith riding for team Health.com.au-search2retain was on the starters’ line having crossed the line fourth in Stage One but was further back in the field on arrival in Yinnar where he crossed the line 59th.
The 23 year old described his result as a surprise but was clearly ecstatic to be in such a position in his home event.
Steven said his bike is travelling awesomely and his team hit most of its objectives.
“It is a hard race. Our goal is to be aggressive.”
Also riding for Stuart’s team in the event is a New Zealand Commonwealth Games cyclist Patrick Bevin who placed seventh in the Individual Pursuit in Glasgow.
Bevin was fourth across the line in Yinnar.
From the North Island town of Taupo, Bevin has not done a lot of riding in Australia.
“On and off in the last few seasons,” he said.
Riding for African Wildlife Safaris, Tyler Spurrell from Donvale, riding in his third Tour of Gippsland was looking forward to the stage.
“Yesterday was bit disappointing, so today we are looking to be on the front foot, more aggressive and involved.” Spurrell said.
He improved on his 52nd finish

Setting out: they’re away in Stage Two of the Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland. Stuart Smith is in the foreground.

Ahead of the pack: leading Leongatha cyclist, Stuart Smith loves riding in what he calls his ‘home event.’ He crossed the line fourth in the opening stage.

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Posted by Sarah Vella on Sep 9 2014. Filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry