RIYADH: The first event of the new Riyadh Wheelers season, sponsored by Carrefour Le Mall, rolled out at the weekend with 59 riders who signed on.

The course used was the traditional season opener, which required the riders to tackle 2 laps of a hilly and technical circuit, and was met with approval by all.

This early test also gave a good marker to fitness levels at this point in the season. Club champion Thierry Mathy rode superbly, keeping at bay 4 very fit triathletes who had just completed their summer season; some have recently competed in International Ironman Events and World Championships. Claiming the podium for the first time and sporting a new machine was Brett Girven, who will only get better as he gains experience. Kris Ahlin put 2 seconds into Martin Ball and Worlds rider Ben Psaila with the next position filled by the flying senior, Jiri Kuba. Also fresh from the Tri Worlds was Anna Marie Watson, who put in the ride of the day to finish in 7th place, ahead of a great many experienced road cyclists.

With Eduardo Gabuco receiving his “Most Improved Rider” award for last season from Chairman Rob Patrick, new names will be going into the hat this year as some great rides were recorded, in particular Girven, Watson and David Pottinger.

Results: 1 T.Mathy 19:54, 2 B.Girven 21:32, 3 K.Ahlin 21:34, 4 M.Ball 21:36, 5 B.Psaila 21:45, 6 J.Kuba 22:01,W-1 A-M.Watson 22:06, 7 N.Daa 22:24, 8 G.Guanlao 22:32, 9 G.Donaghey 22:46, 10 D.Wright 22:52, 11 S.Jenkins 23:03,12 R.Patrick 23:05, 13 D.Pottinger 23:15, 14 C.von Skwarczinsky 23:24, 15 S.Waight 23:33, 16 G.Morete 23:34, 17 J.Adams 23:52, 18 A.Maniago 23:55, 19 A.Williams 23:56, 20 P.McParland 24:02, 21 A.Geara 24:09, 22 J.Block 24:10, 23 K.Walsh 24:15,24 J.Sunga 24:36,J-1 C.Ball 24:38,25 R.Bitong 24:44,26 A.White 24:52,27 E.Gabuco 24:59,28 E.Lando 25:02,29 R.Delos Santos 25:06,30 A.Elioneri 25:11,31 R.Cope 25:22,32 M.Lincoln 25:42,33 J.Hazelwood 25:59,34 R.Silvan 26:01,35 L.Duffy 26:11,36 B.Detomal 26:35,37 J.Altavas 26:40,38 J.Al Ahmed 27:07,39 M.Webb 27:10,40 O.Al Marri 27:13,W-2 M.Araujo 27:20,41 G.Bou Akar 27:45,W-3 V.Mathy 27:55,42 A.Guamos 28:07,43 J.Cordial 28:16,W-4 Z.Hymns 28:41,44 F.Requillo 28:50,W-5 J.Jaruskova 29:08,45 T.Eleosida 29:13,46 J.Reyes 29:14,47 M.Suckling 30:04,48 O.Tuazon 30:07,49 R.Paluf 30:16,50 T.Mahfouz 31:27,51 R.Chan 31:43,52 A.El Ahmad 33:13,53 D.Conception 33:17,54 D.Dela 36:08,DNF S.Omer,R.Pedrosa,T.Al-Zeer,M.Al-Hashim.

Categories:

Open: Brett Girven,

Veteran: Thierry Mathy

Master: Steve Jenkins

Senior: Jiri Kuba

Cat-B: Anna Marie Watson

Junior: Cameron Ball.