Before the start, race director Rob Patrick announced to the 48 competitors that courses like this will have to be used more often if the increase in car traffic continues.
After a long neutralized section, the race was soon under way instigated by a blistering attack from Patrice Delile, which had the effect of splitting the field with only Gaetan Contrino and Thierry Mathy able to match the pace of the former champion. A group of 10 soon formed and chased hard, helped by vocal encouragement from a very active Nasser Al Shala, who tried to lift the pace and catch the trio ahead. Al Shala, riding his first race with the Wheelers misjudged the strength of the leaders and soon accepted he was racing for 4th place. At the front, Delile had already left his two companions when Mathy unexpectedly fell after a touch of wheels. He was fortunate to be able to continue and finish a fine 3rd behind Delile and Contrino. Nasser Al Mutrad and Nasser Al Shala, finally broke away from their group after a well executed move, with Al Mutrad deservedly taking 4th.
Behind, more drama was unfolding, after losing John Hymns with a puncture and with speeds approaching 55kph, Kelvin Bowers touched wheels with Charlie Ryan and crashed heavily, bringing down plucky George Morete. Bowers bravely continued, but Merete’s bike was damaged so he was forced to retire. This break in the rhythm was the springboard needed for Jamie Sunga to unleash his strong sprint, crossing the line ahead of Patrick, Edwin Seneres, Ryan and Paul Soycon. Jun Cordial led in the next group of chasers, sprinting clear of Scott Waight, Paul McParland and Alex Carinan in a tight finish.
Rebecca Robertson, getting used to winning ways and again narrowly defeated Freda Gocian, with Seniors Catalino Laoagan and Graham Collins having a close battle for their Cat prize. Brothers Huw and Alun Thomas rode the 40k junior distance, with Huw taking the decision.
1st P. Delile; 2nd G. Contrino; 3rd T. Mathy; 4th N. Al Mutrad; 5th N. Al Shala; 6th J. Sunga; 7th R. Patrick; 8th E. Seneres; 9th C. Ryan; 10th Paul Soycon; 11th Jun Cordial; 12th Scott Waight; 13th Paul McParland; 14th Alex Carinan; 15th Peter Foster; 16th Phil Green; 17th Reiner Gocian; 18th Kelvin Bowers; 19th John Hymns; 20th Jimmy Damance; 21st Lee Davis; 22nd Arnel Maniago; 23rd Catalino Laoagan; 24th Graham Collins; 25th Ewan Cameron; 26th Robert Myres; 27th Lee Phillips; 28th Rebecca Robertson; 29th Freda Gocian; 30th Francis Gregorio; 31st Peter Waddell; 32nd Rodel Flores; 33rd Redeen Platil; 34th Hassan Kasbou; 35th Tony Kiernan; 36th Moad Al Swaylin; 37th Eoghan Donnellan; J1 Huw Thomas, J2 Alun Thomas. DNF George Morete, Rodolfo Pedrosa, Fiona Nichol, Steve Baker, Jean-Pierre Lagadec, Lito Ordonez, Dong Del Rosario, Raul Condor, Yousef Gohad
Open - Paul Soycon, Veteran - Patrice Delile, Master - Rob Patrick; Senior - Catalino Laoagan, Junior - Huw Thomas, Cat B Rebecca Robertson
