25 Nov 2007 - WAECO DARREN SMITH CYCLE CLASSIC

For the second year running the Waeco Darren Smith Cycle Classic was run at the Peppers Salt Resort at Kingscliff on the Far North Coast of N.S.W. Situated 15 minutes from Coolangatta Airport the 5 star resort shuts down it's carpark and local streets to accommodate this great event. There was $10,000 prize money on offer with generous support from Waeco Mobile Solutions, Bruce Lynton BMW and Salt Village by the Sea.

The race is run by the Gold Coast CATS Cycling Club to remember the great man Darren Smith who was tragically killed in a road accident whilst out training.

Because of its close proximity to the Gold Coast it attracted a star studded field with the likes of Robbie McEwen, Nick Gates, Henk Vogels, Jason Phillips and flying up from Sydney to remember his old riding mate, Matthew White. Along with the local crew and the Ord Minnett team, it sure was a first class field.

The race had been previously won twice by Jason Phillips and that was how it started straight "out of the blocks". Jason was determined to make it 3 in a row. He was reeled in by the 45 strong bunch in a couple of laps when the attacks started and that was the theme for the day. With 8 sprint Primes thrown in for good measure, it was always going to be a tough race.

The first decisive break was started by Steven George (Ord Minett) who was quickly joined by Henk Vogels (Toyota United Pro). These two built up a 15 second lead and circulated in front for a few laps before being joined by Jonathan Cantwell (Team Scody). The three went on to pull away by around 25 seconds until Jason Phillips launched out of the bunch to bridge to the leaders. They worked well until the bunch got organised and brought them back with about 15 minutes remaining.

It was then apparent that this race was going to come down to the bunch sprint. With the temperature hitting 32 degrees it was starting to have an effect on the ever shrinking bunch.

The hard hitting Pros seemed to want this race to themselves quite often riding off the front and leaving a fair few down the back in a spot of bother.

With 3 laps remaining it was Robbie McEwen, Nick Gates and Jonathan Cantwell in control. Looking for the big lead out from Robbie, Cantwell punctured with one lap to go leaving Nick to do it for his good mate Robbie.

Into the finish straight it was Nick leading Robbie followed by Darcy Rosenlund and Henk Vogels. These 4 were able to miss a large crash in the last 50 meters. Harry Hetherton Lead home the A Grade race ahead of Team Scody Team mate Mark Brady 

Pro Race
1. Robbie McEwen - Davitamon-Lotto
2. Darcy Rosenlund
3. Henk Vogels - Toyota

A Grade
1. Harry Hetherton
2. Mark Brady
3. Trevor Gordon