After being COVID cancelled in 2020 and lockdown delayed earlier this year, the 5th edition of Australia’s Bowral Classic was determined to not let another edtion slide down the road. It required incredible teamwork and a sprint to the finish, but the organiser held the amateur gran fondo on 12 December in New South Wales.

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On Sunday morning 3500 road cyclists including professionals, amateur racers and weekend enthusiasts excitedly lined up to ride one of the last gran fondos of 2021 on 150,120, 85 and 35 kilometre routes. 

“The main street was a sea of people, of colour, of jerseys. I hadn’t been to a Classic before,” master of ceremony Michael Tomalaris told BICYCLING Australia. “This was my first one. People were in such a buoyant mood, despite the early start everyone was buzzing.”

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Michael Britton was fastest on the 150km gran fondo, including a challenging 2000m of climbing, finishing in 3:48:28 and narrowly taking the win with a strong kick at the finish line over Brendon Johnston.

Samara Shepphard finished 9th overall and was the first female, crossing the line in 3:57:10. Emily Watts was next at 4:03:32 and Matilda Raynolds third at 4:06:48.

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Team Sutherland Shire Cycling Club dominated the 120 kilometre event, completing a clean sweep of podium with Jeffrey Hunt soloing for the win in 3:04:18. Willem van Wyk and Oliver Knapp were next at 3:04:36 and 3:05:51. The team also put another four riders in the Top 10. 

PHOTOS: Bowral Classic

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