Wrap up of the Noosa Winter Festival 2011- Century Ride

What a great event, USM did a awesome job putting this years Winter Festival together and with Cognition as mechanical support, the Century Ride was another success. With over 1200 riders in both the 100km and 160 km ride it was always going to be a mammoth event, but with only a few crashes and a small amount of mechanicals, the ride was a success. 

The ride was very competitive with many of our customers trying to produce a personal best.

Jack Jude, 1st under 19's

Here are a few examples: Jack Jude, our sponsored rider, and local  has just turned 15. He went in the 100km ride and stayed with the lead brunch, leading out on all the hill climbs (if only there was a "king of the Mountain" jersey) and staying with them the whole way. Jack rode extremely well it was in the final attack, a kilometre or 2 from the finish line that he was dropped, but with maturity and strength he rode the last kilometre on his own to finish 7th overall and 1st in the under 19's division, with a time of 2hr:30mins:23sec. He was only 11 seconds behind the winning group but was 18 minutes ahead of the 2nd place of the under 19's. Jack is continuing to improve and impress! Good work Jack.

Garth Kellet, another customer and rider in the 100km ride showed his training and the purchase of a great bike, Specialized Roubaix can give him a personal best. Garth finished 14th overall and 4th in his division (40-49) with a time of 2:39:26. With his aim to come top 20, he certainily smashed that. He commented after the race, how smooth his ride was and how good the bike felt, it was a great result- well done Garth!

Garth Kellet, 14th overall

In the 160km ride, there was 632 entrants with 524 finishing, it was a good ride with some tough hill climbs which made for a very competitive ride. The lead group keep a constant pace, increasing the speed till the end. The end was fast and exciting with the bunch going over line together with only 1 second separating first and second, Coiln Dick (4:21:57), local fireman coming in second. There was only 1 or 2 seconds separating the next 9 riders. 

Soren, after the race, quite relaxed.

Our customers, Phil Tillotson came amazing top 10 finish (9th overall with a time of 4:21:59 and 7th in his division) and Soren Vejby came 19th overall and 4th in his division (40-49) with a time of 4:22:02. Congratulations guys!

Phil, looking great in the white cognition Kit!

With having mechanics at the 3 aid stations (Cooroy, Eumundi and Marcoola) and at the expo at the finish we were able to see and experience a great ride between local and visitors, where everyone enjoyed the views and the atmosphere. We loved being apart of such a great event and was glad o be able to show cyclists and visitors from a far, how great it is to cycle and holiday in NOOSA.