Congratulations to the Champions of the 2007 Madonna Wheelers Cycling Club Championships:
Category “A” & Overall Club Champion – Derek de Gannes
Category “B” Champion – Chantal Thompson
Category “C” Champion – Dennis des Vignes

More photos from the championships are available HERE 

The three categories were each very competitive this year.

The 34 km Road Race on Saturday August 18, 2007 was a wonderful race. During the second and final lap Derek de Gannes and Jeff Archbold broke away during the hills on the north route and by the time Dan Thompson crested the last hill they had managed a 200 m lead. Dan gave chase but was only able to recover 150 m of their lead. Derek won in a very close finish with Jeff not a bike length behind. During this final lap Chantal Thompson of the B group managed to hold onto the A group and finished just over a bike length behind Steve Hamilton.

The hill climb was won handily by Derek de Gannes with the only time registered under 1 minute @ 58.59 seconds.

The Sprints were held for each Category. In the A group, Hugh Carter won by a couple of bike lengths with Jeff and Derek close behind.  In the B Group, Jason Ortepi beat out Chantal Thompson by a couple of lengths. The C group was won by Dennis des Vignes with Bill Figuera and Compton Gonsalves in 2nd and 3rd.

The Time Trial brought out the best in many of the competitors. The A group was won by Dan Thompson with Derek de Gannes second and Jeff Archbold with the third best time. The best time recorded in the B Group was by Chantal  and the C group winner was Dennis des Vignes.

The final race for the overall championships was the 20 km Criterium. The B group managed to hang in with the A group throughout the race. During the race a Prime was held at lap 5 and this was won by Hugh Carter. A second Prime was offered for those 60+ and this was won by Dennis des Vignes. A third Prime was offered for those 50+ and this was won by Wayne Henry. The finish was amazing as 8 riders rounded the last corner, with all seeing the finish line and wanting that 1st place finish. As you can imagine the finish was very tight and was won by Dan Thompson with Steve Hamilton and Wayne Henry close behind. 4th place went to Chantal Thompson (a B rider) with Jeff, Tom, Derek and Jason all following close behind.

The overall winner on points and the Club Champion for 2007 was Derek de Gannes.

After the event all the prizes were awarded and all attendees were treated to lunch and refreshments at the nearby Swiss Chalet.

Another great job by everyone involved and thanks to all for the great cycling!

Here's the results with the points earned in each event: