Matthew Sparnon wears the Maxima/SCODY Leader's Jersey designed by Carly Tarkari Dodd in Cat 1 Masters. PHOTO: James Raison
Brendan Simpkins
GAWLER made its debut as a stage in the Cycling SA Super Series on Sunday, with organisers leaving the door open to a return next year.
In total, 285 riders took part on the 5.5 kilometre Gawler East Link Road stage, with 250 senior riders and 35 junior riders pulling on the lycra.
Cycling SA event co-ordinator Jake Thomas said participation for the Gawler Kermesse was around the same as previous stages, but the series on a whole was up on projections which took into account the effects of COVID-19.
Mr Thomas commended the course and said it was interesting to see riders who had been doing well in previous stages struggle with the steep incline and riders who had struggled with sprints thrive.
Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said the event was a huge success and praised the efforts of Cycling SA for making it possible.
“Cycling SA are to be commended on its event co-ordination, with each race running on time throughout the day and with minimal disruption to traffic in the area,” she said.
“There was a core group of spectators at the event for the entire day with crowds at the start/finish line peaking at around 200 later in the afternoon.”
Ms Redman said that feedback from the riders had been positive, with many noting the smoothness of the road and the challenge of the incline.
“According to Cycling SA CEO, Lachlan Ambrose, the gradient to distance ratio of the event was on par with the Tour de France and provided a point of difference to other races on the calendar,” she said.
“The majority of the Super Series races occur on flat circuits in criterion style so having an undulating course brought endurance to the fore rather than sprinting.”
It is hoped that, should the event return next year, the area will have developed more to allow for greater spectators and community participation.
Originally, a community ride and junior come and try events were scheduled to take place however they were cancelled due to difficulties with keeping in COVID-safe protocols.
Gawler was the only closed circuit Kermesse in this year’s Super Series.
