ROUND nine of the Footscray Cycling Club’s Winter Road Season saw riders line up for the coveted Hugh Cram Memorial Sash out at the notoriously difficult Granite Road hills out at Staughtonvale.
A field of 54 riders set off in six ability-based bunches, with the gun riders in Scratch setting off last, 27 minutes after the first ‘Limit’ bunch.
With a strong southerly wind, intermittent rain, rough roads and hills aplenty, bunches had their work cut out for them, with most bunches heading off from the downhill start at breakneck speed.
The bunch that was powering along though was the third Scratch bunch, eating up the bunches ahead and taking the pick of each group with it for the ride.
The gun boys in Scratch knew that the catch would be difficult, and it became even more difficult as they blew apart, Dom Dudkiewicz and Ben Johnson leaving the rest behind as they forged ahead.
Williamstown resident Tom Ainsworth, 34, was one of the riders hammering along in third Scratch with the newcomer relishing today’s race.
“The group worked really well together today,” he said. “We all shared the work, and we caught all the bunches in front of us pretty quickly.
“As we headed down Granite Road, Alister Rau did a massive turn leading to the turnaround point and blew everyone away, we looked around and there were just the three of us.
“Myself, Josh Toohey and Alister swapped turns until the second last hill when Alister backed off and Josh and I worked together and sprinted it out at the end and I was lucky enough to hang on.”
Ainsworth crossed the finish line just ahead of Toohey, with riders then finishing in ones and twos. At the post-race presentation, Sue and Barry Cram reminisced about their father and his part in making Footscray a club built on friendship and camaraderie.
Sue spoke of how, as a 15-year-old, Hugh Cram joined in the FCC in 1939, and was a proud member until his death two years ago, the club owing Cycling Victoria Hall of Fame inductee Hughie a huge debt given his tireless 50 years of volunteer service.
When presented with his sash, Ainsworth was left truly speechless.
“This is extraordinary, I’m truly humbled,” he said. “What a fantastic memorial to win. I’m honoured to win something with the Cram name on it.”
Barry also presented Travis Small with his Achievement Award for persistence and fortitude in racing, as well as Dom Dudkiewicz with his “fastest time” sash.
