Mike O'Connor
Stormy skies greeted riders at Colac for the 110th edition of the Warrnambool Classic over the weekend.
Australia’s oldest and longest one-day event, the Warrny is a classic in every sense of the word, and provided plenty of excitement across its two days, with conditions for the women’s race on Saturday plagued by high winds, and Sunday’s men’s race packing in plenty of late drama including a tense wait for a passing train.
Edwards and Butterfields Back on Top in Women’s Classic
The Lochard Energy Women’s Warrnambool Classic is also the longest women’s one-day race in the world, and this year saw 156.9km of windy roads put riders to the test.
Early breakaway attempts came from Carly Coventry (Cycling Development Foundation) and Vanessa Nanfra (Women’s Cycling Development Initiative), who built a lead of more than two minutes.
The peloton initially played a waiting game, but Butterfields Ziptrak Racing took control when defending champion Katelyn Nicholson pressed the pace.
Strong winds split the field, forcing SBS Women’s League leader Sophia Sammons (Team Redcat) to chase back into the front group.
The leading riders attacked relentlessly, but no one escaped. On Raglan Parade, a group of eight contested the finish.
Meridian Bikebug launched Alyssa Polites, with Keira Will (Team Redcat) on her wheel, but Sophie Edwards of Butterfields Ziptrak Racing powered past to claim a back-to-back victory for her team.
Sammons retains the league leader’s jersey, though her advantage has narrowed after Round 3.
Women’s results
- Sophie Edwards – Butterfields Ziptrack Racing
- Keira Will – Team Redcat
- Alyssa Polites – Meridian Bikebug
Beikoff Wins Dramatic Men’s race
The 110th Melbourne to Warrnambool also delivered a thrilling day on Sunday.
Early attacks saw Edwin Britts ride solo before joining a seven-rider breakaway, which extended its advantage to over 13 minutes.
The group gradually reduced to three: Oliver Stenning (Falcons Pedal Mafia Racing), Josh Beikoff (RCA Bikes Online), and Kevin Biffeger (individual).
In the final 5km along the Great Ocean Road, Stenning attacked but was caught, setting up a three-up sprint on Raglan Parade. Biffeger faded, leaving Stenning and Beikoff to contest the finish.
Stenning led the sprint but faltered in the last 50 metres, allowing Beikoff to edge him out by centimetres.
The win marked a monumental debut for RCA Bikes Online in their first PSL season.
Levi Hone (Team Brennan_) finished in the main field and retains the Super League leader’s jersey heading into Round 4.
Men’s results
- Josh Beikoff – RCA Bikes Online
- Oliver Stenning – Falcon’s Pedal Mafia Racing
- Kevin Biffiger – Individual
