HARRISON Carter has won more races than he can probably recall, but the moment that he snatched victory in the Bathurst Cycling Club’s John McKay ANZAC Trophy Race will stick with him for a long while.
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Held each year on April 25, the handicapped race honours a member of the Bathurst Cycling Club who served in a World War.
This year it carried the name of McKay, who was killed on the Western Front in World War I.
“That around 70 percent of the club went to World War I is just incredible,” Carter said.
“It’s a great thing that we come together as a small community at the bike club and this is our way of paying respect and our way of honouring the members of our club who went to the war.
“This means so much to me. Everyone gets out there and buries themselves, it’s a world of hurt, but it’s nothing compared to what those ANZAC’s went through.”
Riding in a group that included Nick North, Mark Windsor and Billy Hutton, Carter worked well with them to catch the groups ahead of them on the road.
Though they looked strong, middle markers Rob McAlary and Hollee Simons were impressing in their racing comeback.
With 25 kilometres that duo held a handy lead, Simons then kicking clear of McAlary in the closing kilometre.
However, she was caught in the sprint to the line which Carter won ahead of Hutton and Windsor. Simons had to settle for sixth as the first female to finish.
The fastest time on the day belonged to Josh Corcoran, who placed eighth overall, while Kirsten Howard crossed the line in ninth to be the quickest female.
“I still can’t believe it. I’ve been coming out here for awhile, this is probably my ninth or 10th ANZAC classic,” Carter said after his maiden win in the annual event.
“It’s always such a hard, fast race and that just suits me at the moment. I’m so proud and happy to get away with this one, I can’t describe how I’m feeling.
“Personally in my group we really nailed it today … the team work we showed today was really incredible and that’s what this race is about.”