Stage7: Mount Mulgrave to Laura. 151km
Today’s 151km stage had many unenthused faces upon the startline, the 189km previous days stage had put many into a pretty serious hurt locker. The stage today promised less climbing but poorer road conditions than the previous day. With a new race leader in Jeroen Boelen from Milka-Trek, the race was still very much on. The GC contenders were happy to let a break of 5 slip away early on including very strong ex profis Haselbacher and Hulsmans as well as current road profi from Austria Christoph Sokoll, Crocodile Trophy podium man Mike Mulkens and Aussie Mark Griffin.
The quintet established a lead of up to 5minutes. This initiated some action from team Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team who were concerned about Graeme’s lead in the Masters competition with Griffin being a threat in this classification. Mike Blewitt committed to some super turns on the front which helped narrow down the gap, Graeme himself also putting in solid strong man turns. Whilst Justin sat at the back trying to stuff his face with food and stay hydrated.
Lots of this today, then lots of rough baking road.
The last feed zone had the chase group gain sight of the leaders. Mike had succumbed to his super work early on, and needed to take 5 as he was getting goosebumps despite the blaring heat. Justin now came to the front to help Graeme eat away at Griffins advantage. With 20km to go the road conditions turned absolutely horrendous, with derriers on fire the chase group continued at a solid pace catching all but 2 of the escapees. A creek crossing and quick rise about 2km from the finish would dictate the result with an amazing ride from Sokoll to take the stage. Unfortunate for Mulkens a flat tire 1km from the finish would ruin his stage chances. Arnott drove the pace astonishingly in the final proceedings. Netting himself 7th on the stage and 1st master. Justin followed in 8th place.
The lovely little roadhouse town of Laura greeted the dust caked finishers as a welcome reprive as it included a pub as well as local store with an ice cream freezer!
Justin and Mike - pretty grubby after their time in the FNQ dirt
The racing here is without a doubt the hardest I have ever experienced (Justin). The heat, corrugations and hills that this race is renowned for are taking its toll. Unfortunately we had sad news last night that the hand cyclists were unable to continue today due to the extreme conditions of yesterday. Truly the hardest MTB race in the world, I cannot imagine any other race being more demanding.
Graeme Arnott, resplendant in white and blue. The Masters leader jersey