The inaugural Pump N Pedals FN Epic was held on Saturday Oct 6 with more than 130 riders taking part. Over 70 riders took on the challenge of riding 100km and more than 60 riders completed the 50km course.
The riders set off early in almost perfect weather conditions. Instead of over 2000 metres of climbing, the 100 kilometre riders would be climbing just (!) 1500m after the course had to be re-routed due to the recent wet weather in the Clohesy River area. However, if riders thought they were going to get an easy ride, they were mistaken. Riders found the loose gravelly climbs challenging, the head winds tough going and the single track demanding – the perfect combination for an FN Epic ride.
Cairns local Dominic Hoyal and Townsville rider Jeff Rubach jostled for the lead over the first 50 kilometres with Jeff getting 3 minutes up on Dominc at the 68km mark and many thought Jeff had an unassailable lead. However, Dominic stormed home to stun the crowd and finish in a haze of dust in just over 4 hours to take out the $500 prize money.
The ladies tended to work together through the day, with Lesley Sutton and Lauretta Howarth happy to share the $500 prize money between them after having ridden the entire 100 kilometres together.
John Broughton, competing for the first time at Little Transfield, claimed victory in the 50km event along with Sharon Hoey.
Children under 17 years took on an epic ride of their own in the Bendigo Bank Mini Epic, riding laps around a 2.5km course. Riley Tiberi, who only took up mountain biking a week ago claimed the under 17 category and Brandon and Finley Green won the Under 14 and 11 years categories. Bella Carolan showed the boys how it's done in the Under 8's category.
The Mareeba Mountain Goats appreciate the support of the event sponsors, Pump N Pedals, Bendigo Bank and the Tablelands Regional Council as well as the assistance received from the SES and the Shooting Stars Relay for Life Team.
For all the results, please click on the links on the left.