Team Degani 3 Peaks Challenge 2011
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Are you ready for the mountains? Bicycle Victoria's new one-day ultimate challenge ride - the Team Degani 3 Peaks Challenge - Sunday 13 March 2011 - the ultimate challenge, riding 230km through Australia's most spectacular Alpine Region!
2011 Entries Open Online 1 September 2010 - Are you ready for the mountains?
New World Order!
Down under is where it’s at!
“I've travelled all around Australia, and ridden the European Alps, but the Three Peaks Challenge blew me away almost literally! My first trip to the Victorian Alps was incredible and truly epic, with stunning scenery, and a course to rival any European Gran Fondo. Superb organisation, a great atmosphere and the Aussie wilderness were an unforgettable combination, and the highlight of my year!”
Robin Wilmott UK
“The 3 Peaks route is the toughest, but most rewarding ride in Australasia. As a rider coming from New Zealand this ride takes me through territory which we simply don’t have at home. It is a truly remarkable experience riding up an incline like that of Mount Hotham through the bush on the lower mountain and then emerging in the semi-moonscape like terrain once past the treeline. Having the experience of riding literally in the sky, along mountaintop ridges where even in poor conditions you can see that you’re above everything surrounding you is an experience which I’d recommend to any recreational bike rider.”
Richard Dean, NZ
Ultimate Challenge Lives Up To Its Name!
The Team Degani 3 Peaks Challenge lived up to its billing as the ultimate one-day challenge ride on Sunday, with wet and cold conditions and an incredibly demanding 230km course combining for a brutal test of grit and determination.
Of the 1,250 riders who started the 230km route, which began and finished at Falls Creek, circumnavigating Victoria’s Alpine Region traversing Tawonga Gap, Mt Hotham, then back to Falls Creek via Omeo, 718 hardy soles completed the course, the last rider arriving at the finish line after almost 15 hours on the saddle.
First across the line was Nick Mitchell, from the Northcote Cycling Club, who started at 7.15am and finished at 4pm. Describing the 7km climb leading in to Trapyard Gap, on the Bogong High Plains Road, Nick said: “Words wouldn’t do it justice. It was one of the toughest climbs I’ve ever done.”
Despite the potential for mishaps, no one needed hospital treatment, a testament to those who quickly and professionally helped attend to injuries.
The last 20km of the route, climbing in to Falls Creek on a recently sealed road, proved an additional test of mental strength for riders, with a lack of bedding-in on the surface causing many punctures.
In a day that proved a grand trial for the participants, praise was also due to the many volunteers; they did a phenomenal job while enduring 14 hours of rain.
Some comments from riders who completed the ride included:
“Probably the hardest ride I’ve ever done.”
“Had a great time . . . certainly was quite a challenge – you got that part right!”
“I will certainly remember this ride for a long time.”
“Route: excellent. A real treat.”
“An especially big thanks to all the volunteers, who were unbelievably happy and helpful, especially given the conditions.”
“Toughest ride ever!”
Event manager Julie-Ann Davies said: “The Team Degani 3 Peaks Challenge is the ultimate challenge ride in Australia, and more people will aspire to ride it as the event grows over the next five years.”
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