A new course used for the first time brought general approval from the 60 riders who signed on for the Riyadh Wheelers 60km road race, and with no wind to bother the competitors it was left to the subtle gradients to wear down the pack.

After a generous neutral section, the first attack of many came from Nasser Al Mutrad who stayed away for some time before being reeled in, which gave the signal for Norberto Data, Geron Guanlao and again Nasser to put some daylight between themselves and the depleted pack.

Ever attentive Thierry Mathy saw the threat and was immediately on the back of the trio as they quickly gained 100 meters. This move looked like the one to succeed, but thanks to Brett Girven, Kris Ahlin, Arnel Maniago and Rob Patrick who took the initiative and worked well together, the lead group was again together with 10 kilometers to go.

A general truce ensued as the leaders took stock and began planning their finishing strategy. This gave Dave Wright the chance to attack, but later admitted he took his chance too early and he was caught with a kilometer to go. After being in the action the entire race, David Pottinger was dealt a cruel blow as he punctured within sight of the line leaving just 9 to contest the finale.

Once again the power of Mathy was not to be denied as top sprinter Daa failed to pass the champion. Strengthening her stake on the title, Cat B was taken by Maria Araujo in a close finish with Anne Morrissey who continues to improve.

The event also marked the departure of Cat B champion Jana Jaruskova who is moving on to new challenges after playing a major part in Riyadh sport. Carrefour Tala Mall provided the superb variety of refreshments which were enjoyed by all.

Results:

1 T. Mathy, 2 N. Daa, 3 K. Ahlin, 4 B. Girven, 5 A. Maniago, 6 S. Jenkins, 7 R. Patrick, 8 G. Guanlao, 9 G. Morete, 10 D. Wright, 11 S. Waight, 12 J. Kuba, 13 J. Sunga, 14 N. Al Mutrad, 15 P. McParland, 16 D. Donohue, 17 J. Altavas, 18 R. Delos Santos, 19 E. Lando, 20 Y. Forero, 21 R. Chan, 22 H. Simeone, 23 B. Syfrig, 24 S. Clark, 25 K. Walsh, 26 M. Webb, 27 O. Al Marri, 28 A. Almuayqil, W-1 M. Araujo, W-2 A. Morrissey, 29 M. Turco, 30 G. Morris, 31 M. Alturaif, 32 O. Tuazon, 33 R. Silvan, 34 R. Bitong, 35 T. Warburton, 36 T. Eleosida, 37 A. Garcia, 38 F. Requillo, W-3 V. Mathy, 39 D. Dela, 40 S. Yurchenko, 41 A. Almuayqil, 42 J. Reyes. DNF R.Flores, T. Mahfouz, A. El Ahmad, M. Flores, F. Gregorio, J. Cordial, D. Pottinger, J. Jaruskova, A.White. CATEGORIES OPEN Norberto Daa, VETERAN Thierry Mathy, MASTER Steve Jenkins, SENIOR Rob Patrick CAT B Maria Auaujo.