Seventy-five cyclists turned out in sunny conditions for the 68-kilometre handicap race along Forest and Huntley roads.

The eldest of the group was 70-year-old Darrell Wheeler from Dubbo, fresh from the UCI Masters World Track Championships in Manchester where he scored two seconds and a third.

Having raced since 1958, Mr Wheeler said he had long admired the sport.

“I thought this looks like fun and I still enjoy it, I still like to race,” he said.

He said crashes had been his only injury causes and he seemed to recover quickly from those, and the key to fitness was consistent training.

Orange’s Sue Bonnar was the first and fastest woman last year in wet and windy conditions and said she liked the challenge of the sport.

“I like to challenge myself  and there is a social camaraderie,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kevin Eather started road racing last year after nine years of mountain bike competition.

“It’s just relaxing when you’re on the road, and it gives you time to think,” he said. “With road cycling you’re part of a group, whereas on a mountain bike you tend to be on your own and racing the clock, you can’t see who you’re racing.” 

Enjoying a shorter race in the junior competition were 13-year-old Orange riders Jessie Dean and Xanthe Keegan who rode together in a team and came second and fourth respectively.

The duo said the race was difficult due to the hills and needing to keep pace with one another, but it was also satisfying.

“It’s good when you’re in a race trying your hardest and it’s a relief when it’s over and you’ve done well,” Jessie said.

“It’s nice to have someone you know to push you along,” Xanthe said.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au