Under 17 Boys 2000Mt Pursuit
Andrew McKensie 2.42.69
Fergus Bryan 3.07.70
Cody Simpson 2.34.80
Chris Denholm 2.31.70
Fergus Allan 2.40.60
Campbell Stewart 2.25.16 (new WCNI record)
Carne Groube 2.28.68
First of all a big thank you to all the officials and helpers on the day. Without you “The Hour” would not have been possible. Ian Gray not only lent me a set of wheels to meet the regulations, but also gave me lots of insights and tips in preparation. John Stewart and Oods as my official callers did a great job in keeping me posted on progress. Then the timekeepers and commisaires: Matt van W.; Glenys Taylor; Wayne Fenn and Steve Perry, maybe not the most glamorous job to count laps but you made it official. Thanks also to Phil Ryder for keeping the time splits for my records and Kirsty Kaihau as always ready to capture the event on camera. And lastly, a big thanks to my wife Sharon for the months long encouragement and enduring many dinner conversations with “The Hour” as a topic.
As you recall the day didn’t start terribly well weather wise. However the forecast talked about improvements and calmer conditions later in the day.
I spent the day with as little strenuous exercise as possible – washing cars and vacuum cleaning was about it.
A fine evening was just what Marcel had ordered and as the evening drew on the wind abated. The decision was made and the call went out to everybody that tonight was the night.
Marcel had done a lot of planning for this night. He had a schedule that mapped out his planned ride, how fast the first lap was going to be, and subsequent laps. He had helpers engaged in letting him know how he was doing. No special gear was required, he was aiming to set a record based on the same equipment as Eddie Mercx. Not even a skinsuit was allowed so it was pleasing to see him in his Bike Manawatu jersey.
The gun was fired and he was off. Sixty minutes. One Hour. THE HOUR.
The first lap was faster than he had planned. So was the second and the third. He had planned to do the first lap in 40seconds and then because that was from a standing start reduce to 37 or 38 seconds for the rest of his laps.
A small field of riders gathered at Linton Army Camp gymnasium for what was to be a criterium.
Due to the size and variety of riders it was decided to run a handicap race.
On the start line after all riders had ridden one lap behind a pace car, riders were instructed how they needed to work together as a group to ensure that their grade could make it to the finish line first.
The third grade which for this event was called C GRADE started first and were to complete 5 laps – a distance of approximately 15km. A minute later A grade consisting of just 3 riders started but with the challenge of completing 7 laps they had their work cut out for them. B Grade started 30 secs after A grade and had 6 laps to ride.
Cool but fine with the promise of better weather on the way is what greeted riders to the 3rd la femme fun ride.
A smaller field than previous years with no rush of late entries left Palmerston North right on time. 
One small hiccup as the first rider from the 20km headed to the finish line and in her eagerness followed the Police car that was the lead vehicle in to the parking area rather than continuing straight ahead to the finish line. One other unfortunate mistake on behalf of a rider who had read the maps and seen the arrow pointing in the direction of the ride but decided to set a new course eventually making her way back to Memorial Park and the brunch that awaited. Soon after tales of other riders heading in the wrong direction just going straight past the marshals or taking short cuts were being laughed about. So it is a good thing that it is a fun ride and that the food and drink and a sit down at the end was on offer.