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Satans Velodrome

Su Spencer - SDBC / 08.10.2008

After the first 3 days (6 stages) and a total distance of 383km, just 2 riders had been able to complete 100% of race distance. Leading the event was first-timer, but experienced enduro rider, Lynton STRETTON (rider #14) of Queensland from the 50-59 year category. An hour and 19 minutes behind is race veteran Heinz von HOLZEN (rider #2) from Bali. Heinz turns 50 later this year. After the success of the oldest rider in 2007, Bruce Wood, it seems that riding smart and knowing what your body can handle is the secret to success in this arduous adventure race. In 3rd place, at 355km (93% of race distance) is another \"mature rider\" - Warren QUINN (rider #7) from Parkes, NSW. And a very creditable 4th place, at 325km (85% of race distance) is being held by former Crocodile Trophy competitor Roman PETR (rider #3) from Slovakia.

Race conditions had been hot (41 degrees and less than 5% humidity) and sandy, with track conditions similar to the tough 2007 race. Unfortunately this has caused an existing shoulder injury for Mt Isa adventure rider Ron WHITEHEAD (rider #15) to flare up and force him out of the race. Also suffering under the tough conditions were the father and son pairing of Lawrence and Emerson REECE, both first-time entrants, from Paradise Waters, Qld.

The following day would see riders tackling the gibber plains and corrugated tracks from the southern end of the old Birdsville track heading north. Day 4 of the SDBC is often when all the effort from previous days catches up with some riders, while others (especially experienced roadies) revel in the less sandy but stony terrain. However, the weather is expected to be possibly hotter, the UV will be extreme, and it will be a very tough day for all riders and supporters.

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