The Hell of the South cycling race was run in magnificent conditions around Toolong on Saturday.
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Port Fairy Cycling Club’s annual homage to the European Classics, such as the Paris-Roubaix, was raced by 61 senior riders.
The race comprised an opening road circuit, with three laps around incorporating a gravel section along the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail.
Colac’s Tony Prytz was the first to cross the finish line, staying well away of the faster riders on handicap. Mr Prytz was delighted to take the win after failing to complete the race in 2017.
Darren Lever, Hampton Cycling Masters, was the fastest finisher with a time of 1-hour 13-minutes. Port Fairy Cycling Club’s Kez King was the first female, and Hamilton’s Nikki Menzel, 16, was the fastest junior.
Hell of the South race organiser Jason Pushenjack declared the event a “fantastic success”.
“This is a very unique race” said Mr Pushenjack. “It is the only road race we know to incorporate gravel”.
Six riders sustained punctures on the gravel.
Trying to get through without a puncture was “part of the fun” according to Mr Pushenjack.
