The field. Photo by Jon Barter
With our Race Director, Jarad, involved in the rescue of a bunch
of hapless jetskiers off Sandridge Beach just an hour out from the
fall of the start flag, we had a feeling that Outer Edge Crit Race
3 was going to involve a bit of carnage - and we were right. A
strong onshore wind coupled with an in-and-out course called for
super-human power punching into the wind, followed by a magician's
touch to catch the runners, and not everyone was quite up for the
challenge. But, in true Aussie (and New Zealand, South African,
Welsh and any other homeland that was represented at the start
line) spirit, everyone gave it their best go, and earned their
Australia Day sausage at the finish line.
First home in the ski race, in a time of 50 minutes, 55 seconds
was...wait for it... Tim Altman. Tim is proving indomitable this
season and is firm favourite to take out the Outer Edge Crit
Series. Rumour has it Tim is is taking on the Molokai in Hawaii
this year, so he's definietly got his race face on. In second
place, just 30 seconds behind, was Garth Spencer, who's had a solid
month of racing, having completed the Doctor the previous weekend,
and the the Graeme Long the weekend before that. Well done,
Garth.
The Tim-inator crusing to victory. Photo by Jon
Barter
In third place in the ski race was 2010/11 Series champ, Ivor
Morgan, in 51:32. Ivor and his partner, Yvette, welcomed a baby
boy, Byron, into the world just before Christmas, so we reckon Ivor
should be receiving a handicap, given all those 2am nappy changes!
Awesome effort.
In fourth place in the ski race was Kiwi K1 sprint paddler,
Steven Armstrong in a time of 53:24. Steven, along with fellow NZ
paddlers, James Feathery and Alex Fort, recently competed in the
2012 Queensland Sprint Championships. Unfortunately, the nasty
headwind conditions, off the back of that tough regatta the weekend
before, proved a bit too taxing for Alex and James, who both
retired early to get to the hot showers first.
In the women's ski race, it was once again Chloe Hardman's day,
with the vet (both in race category and profession) finishing her
three laps in 1:14:25. On Chloe's tail was Lucy Bell in a time of
1:14:43 - given Lucy raced in the Port Phillip Cup SUP race in the
morning, we reckon that's an awesome effort - how are those
forearms feeling this morning, Luce? And in third place was
first-time Crit competitor Diane Bloom in a time of 1:21:42. Diane
has really embraced ocean paddling recently, training hard and even
purchasing her own ski and paddle - the committment is clearly
paying off for Di, and it's great to see some new faces in the
women's field. And speaking of new faces, well done also to
Francesca Sanders, who also completed her first-ever crit race.
Francesca bravely took on the three-lap course, despite her
pre-race misgivings, and survived to tell the tale.
Don't mess with the 'Cesc (Francesca Sanders). Photo by Jon
Barter
Now for the OC1 race. It was fantastic to have eight OC1
paddlers take on the rough stuff, especially those who travelled
far and wide to get wet - namely Rod Clark, who made the trip all
the way from Echuca, largely in the hope he might take home a brand
new Stellar SR. Sorry we couldn't rig the prize draw to work in
your favour Rod, but as they say, you've got to be in it to win it,
and we love having you at our races.
Rod Clark gives the lumpy stuff a try. Photo by Jon
Barter.
Once again, it was the Jason Shepherd and his two big guns
(those impressive arms that intimidate all who lay eyes on our Crit
Series poster) that won the OC1 race, finishing in 1:08:13. Coming
in second in a time of 1:10:03 was James Fuda, followed by Steve
Miller in 1:14:48. Top effort, fellas.
Someone call the big guns (Jason Shepherd). Photo by Jon
Barter.
And in the SUP and paddleboard race, while it was a small field,
it was a bloody tough field, with SUP Vic's Paul Harrington beating
out Con Toronis in times of 49:15 and 15:10 respectively.
Pilates? Yoga? Pfft! Paul Harrigton gets the ultimate ab
workout. Photo by Jon Barter.
But how can we not mention the stoic efforts of our lone
paddleboard hero, Ben Owzinsky, who actually beat both SUP lads
with his bare hands - literally - coming home in a time of 46:27?
Okay, Ben did have a slight advantage in the aerodynamics
department, being prone on his board, but that is still an
impressive result. It would be great if Ben could have some
competition in his category one of these days, so if you're a
paddleboarder, harden the f-up, and get on down to
Outer Edge Crit Race # 4 on February 23.
Are you a paddlerboarder? Then take on the challenge to
'Beat Ben' on Feb 23rd. Go on, we dare ya.
Finally, a huge congrats to Mitch Bodycoat, who was the lucky
winner of that aforementioned brand spanking new Stellar ocean ski.
We can't wait to see you tear it up at the next Crit in your new
baby!
Thanks to Sandridge LSC for once again providing water safety
(and it was put to good use this time!) and our amazing
photographer Jon Barter for these incredible photos. And thanks to
our naming rights sponsor, Outer Edge Magazine, and Stellar Kayaks
for kindly donating the major spot prize.
RESULTS
Outer
Edge Crit Race # 3: 1 Lap/SUP
Outer
Edge Crit Race # 3: 2 Laps
Outer Edge Crit Race # 3: 3 Laps
For more pics, go to
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